Our website uses cookies to enhance the visitor experience (what's a cookieCookies are small text files that are stored on your computer when you visit a website. They are mainly used as a way of improving the website functionalities or to provide more advanced statistical data.). Are you happy for us to use cookies during your visits?
Please note: continuing without making a choice equates to giving us your consent, which you can withdraw at any time via our cookies policy page.

Online live funerals receive VAT exemption

Newsletter issue – April 2024

Funerals that are broadcast online for well-wishers unable to attend in person are becoming exempt from VAT. During the COVID pandemic, streaming  funerals became commonplace due to restrictions on the number of people gathering. Now, there has been an update to the rules around VAT which means any funerals shown live over the web will not face the charge.

The update also includes live streaming of a cremation or burial. If VAT has been charged in the past, then an adjustment can be made on future VAT returns.

This has been added to a list of services that are always exempt from VAT if they are “provided by an undertaker or funeral director after the body of the deceased has been released by the mortuary (if applicable),” HMRC says.

These services are:

  • embalming
  • use of a rest
  • digging, preparation, and the refilling of graves
  • burial or cremation
  • the interment of ashes

However, the VAT update is not applicable for a third-party supplying the live streaming event,as opposed to being provided by the undertakers.

Newsletter SubscriptionPlease enter your details

Book a Free, No Obligation Consultation

Take advantage of a free consultation to see how you can benefit from using Stanhope accountancy and advisory and find out the best way to deal with your tax, accounting and how to minimise your tax liabilities. Book now >

Get a Fixed Quote

We believe you should always be in control of your finances. For this reason we can offer many of our services on a fixed fee basis on agreed services >

Profitability Strategies

We can help you develop strategies to help your business grow without increasing costs specialized tax incentives to produce multiple benefits and help you increase your profit >

Your Business

Expert tax planning advice any size business tailored to you >