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bernardh48391252
Participant
July 1, 2018
Question

UK 23% VAT? What is that all about?

  • July 1, 2018
  • 1 reply
  • 840 views

I am intending to buy (sorry rent per month?!) Photoshop Elements why do they charge 23% VAT in the UK when there is no such vat amount - the correct one being 20%!

    1 reply

    Participant
    July 1, 2018

    Adobe delivers all downloads and creative cloud products across Europe from The Republic of Ireland where VAT is charged at 23%

    Participant
    August 4, 2025

    They charge 23% because your purchase is billed through Adobe’s Ireland office, so Irish VAT applies rather than the UK’s 20%. That’s just how cross-border digital sales are handled.

    Do you know if it’s possible to reclaim the difference if you’re VAT registered in the UK?

    John Waller
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    August 4, 2025

    Contact HMRC.