The United Kingdom requires Upwork to collect value-added tax, or VAT, and remit the tax to your country’s government unless we have a valid VAT ID on file for you. VAT is a tax on goods or services, including our services to you, and remit means to send money for a payment.

Examples of services that VAT applies to in the United Kingdom


  • Marketplace Fee, Contract Initiation Fee, featured job post fee, conversion fee, recruiter fee, and Enterprise fees

When we charge tax, it’s because your government requires us to, which means this tax may change or apply to additional services in the future.

Tax rate


In the UK, the VAT rate is 20% of the cost of the service being taxed. For example, if you pay $100 USD in client marketplace fees, you will pay $20 in tax, for a total of $120.

You’ll see the estimated amount of tax when you check out and on your invoices and Transaction History.

VAT ID


If you provide a valid VAT ID to Upwork, we will not have to collect this tax from you. You can enter or edit your VAT ID in your account’s Tax information.

We’ll check whether the VAT ID you provide is valid and provide you a prompt validation response when you enter it. You can also see your VAT ID status on your Tax Information page.

We’ll display the VAT ID you provide to us on your invoices. You will need to update your VAT ID to change what displays on your invoice.

UK VAT ID format


Your UK VAT ID number is different from your tax identification number. It is a unique ID that you may request from your government by registering for VAT in the UK. It has 9 or 11 alphanumeric characters that start with a country code of GB or XI and may look like this, for example: GB123456789, XI123456789, or 123456789

To learn more, visit the United Kingdom’s tax authority website.

Exemptions


Location-related exemptions for the United Kingdom are addressed on our platform. For other exemptions, you may be able to claim a credit for taxes paid. Please consult with a tax advisor.

Location and information changes


If you change locations and update your tax residence in your Tax information, we’ll automatically adjust your VAT to correspond with the rates in your new country of residence or stop collecting if there is no VAT, or a similar tax, in your new country.

However, you may have to revalidate your VAT ID when you change locations.

You may also have to revalidate your VAT ID if you make other changes to your information, such as changing your legal name.

Disclaimer:

This article is for general information only and should not be considered tax advice. It may not be updated in real time and may not reflect recent changes. We strongly encourage you to consult your country’s tax authority or your tax advisor with questions related to your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has to pay VAT?

Your country’s VAT applies to services we provide to both freelancers and clients if they reside, have a permanent address, or are established in your country and have not provided us with a valid VAT ID.

Why are you collecting VAT?

We’re required to comply with the tax laws of the countries where we operate to continue to do business in those countries. Your country requires that we collect VAT on Upwork services and remit them to your government unless we have a valid VAT ID on file for you.

Do you still collect VAT if I provide Upwork with a valid VAT ID?

No, if you provide a valid VAT ID, we do not have to collect and remit VAT tax for you. To enter your VAT ID, go to your account’s Tax information.

Do I have to provide a VAT ID to Upwork?

If you do not provide a valid VAT ID, we are required to charge you VAT and remit it to your government.

If you provide a valid VAT ID, we will not be required to collect the tax. To enter your VAT ID, go to your account’s Tax information.

What if I’m only residing in this country temporarily?

We are still required to collect VAT even if you are only residing in a country temporarily. If you move to another country, you can update your tax residence in your Tax information. We’ll automatically adjust your VAT to correspond with the rates in your new country of residence or stop collecting if there is no VAT, or a similar tax, in your new country.

If I pay VAT before I enter a valid VAT ID, will you refund that money once I enter it?

No, we remit that money directly to your government and will not be able to refund it. You may be able to claim a credit with your tax authority for what you paid. We recommend that you consult with your government’s tax authority or your tax advisor for more information.

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