What is output tax apportionment?

Output tax apportionment is relevant to businesses that sell goods or services with different VAT liabilities in a package or bundle for a single price. For example, a business may sell a zero-rated cold takeaway sandwich and a standard-rated drink for a single VAT-inclusive price. In such situations, it is necessary to calculate the amount of VAT to account for the supply on a fair and reasonable basis using an appropriate method of output tax apportionment.

Output tax apportionment is particularly relevant to retailers and other businesses that sell items with different VAT liabilities to consumers. Such businesses may offer items for sale in a package or bundle, often at a price that is less than total price that would be charged if a customer bought all of the