VAT Capital Goods Scheme

The VAT Capital Goods Scheme (CGS) is a means of spreading the initial VAT recovery in respect of certain assets over either 5 or 10 years. The scheme seeks to agree a fair and reasonable attribution of VAT to taxable supplies and non-taxable supplies relating to the use of an asset over its lifetime.

The adjustment period for land and buildings is 10 years and for other CGS assets, 5 years. This adjustment period also considers any non-business use of the asset. The CGS is intended primarily for partly exempt businesses. However, businesses can change direction over the adjustment period and be subject to making CGS adjustments some years after an asset was purchased.

The CGS currently applies to:

  • Land and building (including extensions, alterations and refurbishments) with a cost (net of VAT) of £250k or more.
  • Computers, or computer equipment, with a cost (net of VAT) or £50k or more.
  • Ships and boats with a cost (net of VAT) of £50k or more.
  • Aircraft with a cost (net of VAT) of £50k or more

The scheme does not apply if:

  • the assets are acquired solely for resale;
  • you spend money on assets which are solely for resale; or
  • assets are acquired, or you spend money on assets, which are wholly used for non-business purposes.
Source:HM Revenue & Customs| 25-09-2023
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CIGMA Accounting
CIGMA Accounting Ltd is a forward-thinking accounting and tax firm based in London, dedicated to delivering high-quality compliance, tax planning, and business advisory services to entrepreneurs, landlords, and growing SMEs. With offices in Wimbledon and Farringdon, we combine local expertise with a tech-driven approach to simplify accounting. Our services include corporation tax filing, VAT compliance, HMRC investigation support, R&D tax credit claims, capital allowances optimisation, and bookkeeping automation. What sets CIGMA apart is our ability to blend traditional accounting rigour with AI-powered systems that reduce errors, save time, and provide real-time financial insights. Our team ensures that every client - from startups to high-net-worth individuals - receives a bespoke solution aligned with their growth goals. Whether you need strategic tax planning, help with HMRC disclosures, or a full outsourced finance function, CIGMA Accounting delivers clarity, compliance, and confidence.

VAT Capital Goods Scheme

The VAT Capital Goods Scheme (CGS) is a means of adjusting the initial VAT recovery in respect of certain assets over either 5 or 10 years. The scheme seeks to agree a fair and reasonable attribution of VAT to taxable supplies and non-taxable supplies relating to the use of an asset over its lifetime.

The adjustment period for land and buildings is 10 years and for other CGS assets, 5 years. This adjustment period also considers any non-business use of the asset. The CGS is intended primarily for partly exempt businesses. However, businesses can change direction over the adjustment period and be subject to making CGS adjustments some years after an asset was purchased.

The CGS currently applies to:

  • Land and building (including extensions, alterations and refurbishments) with a cost (net of VAT) of £250k or more.
  • Computers, or computer equipment, with a cost (net of VAT) or £50k or more.
  • Ships and boats with a cost (net of VAT) of £50k or more.
  • Aircraft with a cost (net of VAT) of £50k or more.

The scheme does not apply if:

  • the assets are acquired solely for resale;
  • you spend money on assets which are solely for resale; and
  • assets are acquired, or you spend money on assets, which are wholly used for non-business purposes.
Source:HM Revenue & Customs| 05-09-2022
author avatar
CIGMA Accounting
CIGMA Accounting Ltd is a forward-thinking accounting and tax firm based in London, dedicated to delivering high-quality compliance, tax planning, and business advisory services to entrepreneurs, landlords, and growing SMEs. With offices in Wimbledon and Farringdon, we combine local expertise with a tech-driven approach to simplify accounting. Our services include corporation tax filing, VAT compliance, HMRC investigation support, R&D tax credit claims, capital allowances optimisation, and bookkeeping automation. What sets CIGMA apart is our ability to blend traditional accounting rigour with AI-powered systems that reduce errors, save time, and provide real-time financial insights. Our team ensures that every client - from startups to high-net-worth individuals - receives a bespoke solution aligned with their growth goals. Whether you need strategic tax planning, help with HMRC disclosures, or a full outsourced finance function, CIGMA Accounting delivers clarity, compliance, and confidence.