Skip to content Print VAT checker / VAT on recipe cards and reference cards Is there VAT on recipe cards and reference cards? Recipe cards and reference cards are standard-rated (20% VAT) in the UK under HMRC VAT Notice 701/10, paragraph 3.3.
PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL TAXMAN 20% Standard rate. Initial here, here and here.
Recipe cards and reference cards
20% VAT
It's designed to be kept and used, not read and thrown away, so it isn't a leaflet. Standard-rated.
Is there VAT on recipe cards and reference cards? Recipe cards and reference cards are standard-rated (20% VAT) in the UK under HMRC VAT Notice 701/10, paragraph 3.3. It's designed to be kept and used, not read and thrown away, so it isn't a leaflet. Standard-rated.
Where does this come from? HMRC VAT Notice 701/10, paragraph 3.3, HMRC's guidance on zero rating books and printed matter. Read the notice on GOV.UK ↗
Also called recipe card, reference card, flash card, flashcard, cue card, index card, prompt card, revision card
Why this exists Some print is 0% VAT, some is 20%, and the rules are about what a thing is , not what you call it. Search using the words you use for your print job.
How we check the guidance Every answer names the HMRC paragraph it rests on, with a link. We check HMRC's guidance for changes every day. If it changes, a notice goes up on every page until the answers have been reviewed.
We are printers based in Nottingham and London. We work with the NHS, NCHA, LUNA Students, DHP Family and Urban Outfitters. Get a quote .
Checked against HMRC's guidance on 22 September 2026. HMRC last changed its print VAT rules on 31 July 2020.
Guidance only, not tax advice. Based on HMRC VAT Notices 701/10, 701/14 and 701/58. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. If the exact liability matters, check with HMRC or your accountant. Privacy
