HMRC Official Statistics: Second estimate of the VAT gap (tax year 2021 to 2022)

1. What is the VAT Gap?

The VAT gap is measured by comparing the net VAT total theoretical liability (VTTL) with actual net VAT receipts (this is comparing the amount of VAT HMRC expects to receive and the VAT HMRC actually receives). The VAT gap methodology uses a ‘top-down’ approach.

2. Second estimate of the VAT gap for tax year 2021 to 2022

The table below shows the headline figures used to produce the second VAT gap estimate for financial year 2021 to 2022.

Financial year	Net VAT total theoretical liability	HMRC net VAT receipts	Net VAT receipts related to net VAT total theoretical liability in 2021 to 2022	VAT gap (point estimate)	VAT gap (percentage)
2021 to 2022	£141.9 billion	£157.5 billion	£134.2 billion	£7.7 billion	5.4

Source gov.uk

 

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