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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think the government should put VAT on cake

110 replies

72hoursinaande · 06/10/2024 18:14

its a luxury to eat cake and would probably put more back into the coffers.
Slightly tongue in cheek but I thought mumsnet could use a different VAT debate.

OP posts:
Starlightstarbright3 · 06/10/2024 20:58

Moonshiners · 06/10/2024 20:11

Though some biscuits (Oreos) and some cakes (Battenburg) should vated just for being vile.

Oh I am in complete agreement although I often buy these items for teen as I know I won’t eat them

QueenCarrot · 06/10/2024 20:56

Moonshiners · 06/10/2024 20:09

Why are biscuits charged VAT and not cake? What was the reason for this?
I can't decide which I love more but they are so very similar.

VAT is not charged on biscuits unless they are wholly or partially covered in chocolate.

Starlightstarbright3 · 06/10/2024 20:53

KimberleyClark · 06/10/2024 18:16

Would it apply to Jaffa cakes? Apparently the law is not clear on whether they are cakes or biscuits.

The law determined they are cakes - imagine if after all the money they spent proving they were cakes they then had to pay vat on them anyway 🤣🤣🤣

Feelingstrange2 · 06/10/2024 20:52

KimberleyClark · 06/10/2024 18:16

Would it apply to Jaffa cakes? Apparently the law is not clear on whether they are cakes or biscuits.

The law is clear now after a huge court case. They are zero rated.

Friendofdennis · 06/10/2024 20:52

Setyoufree · 06/10/2024 20:47

Cake is not exactly a necessity is it. Would probably raise more money than the school fee thing too.

In my life it is absolutely a necessity

Everydayimhuffling · 06/10/2024 20:50

I agree, but I should be able to make my own cake: no tax on packets of sugar! Also, whoever suggested taxing all tinned goods is a monster. Beans on toast should never be taxed.

Blessedbunny · 06/10/2024 20:48

72hoursinaande · 06/10/2024 18:14

its a luxury to eat cake and would probably put more back into the coffers.
Slightly tongue in cheek but I thought mumsnet could use a different VAT debate.

Totally agree. And that INCLUDES JAFFA CAKES FOR GOD’S SAKE.

That, alone, will fund a million new teachers and all sports clubs at state schools.

Setyoufree · 06/10/2024 20:47

Cake is not exactly a necessity is it. Would probably raise more money than the school fee thing too.

soupfiend · 06/10/2024 20:45

What about Mrs Crimbles coconut things

Cake, biscuit or neither?

WhatWouldJeevesDo · 06/10/2024 20:44

I think the original idea was cake didn’t have VAT on it because you buy it from a bakery.

babyzoomer · 06/10/2024 20:43

If I bake the cake at home, do I include it in my self-assessment, or maybe I need to get VAT registered?

BakedBeansforabrain · 06/10/2024 20:42

Nogaxeh · 06/10/2024 20:38

It's only biscuits with chocolate on them, but cakes with chocolate icing - such as the infamous Jaffa cake - are exempt.

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But, if the chocolate is inside the biscuit, for example a chocolate chip cookie or if it is sandwiched in between two halves of a biscuit, there is no VAT to pay.

Clear as mud, or chocolate, right?

Moonshiners · 06/10/2024 20:40

Nogaxeh · 06/10/2024 20:38

It's only biscuits with chocolate on them, but cakes with chocolate icing - such as the infamous Jaffa cake - are exempt.

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It's bonkers.

Nogaxeh · 06/10/2024 20:38

Moonshiners · 06/10/2024 20:36

Is that true? I think we should revolt (after I snaffle this hobnob).

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It's only biscuits with chocolate on them, but cakes with chocolate icing - such as the infamous Jaffa cake - are exempt.

Moonshiners · 06/10/2024 20:36

Nogaxeh · 06/10/2024 20:22

It's a class thing. The working class have biscuits with their tea. The upper class have cake. VAT on biscuits. Not on cake.

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Is that true? I think we should revolt (after I snaffle this hobnob).

30percent · 06/10/2024 20:33

taxguru · 06/10/2024 19:43

Realistically, though, no government would ever have the balls to put VAT on cake or other foods. Just look at the outrage when the coalition tried to impose VAT on Greggs pasties and sausage rolls!! They had to do a very rapid u-turn as the media crucified them!

Pasties and sausage rolls actually taste nice though cake doesn't

whiskeyarmadillo · 06/10/2024 20:28

Only if it's private cake.

BakedBeansforabrain · 06/10/2024 20:28

Moonshiners · 06/10/2024 20:09

Why are biscuits charged VAT and not cake? What was the reason for this?
I can't decide which I love more but they are so very similar.

A plain digestive does not have VAT on but a chocolate digestive does

its because the chocolate one is classed as a luxury

CorbyTrouserPress · 06/10/2024 20:24

FifiFalafel · 06/10/2024 20:22

If they put VAT on Battenburg I will kill again.

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Again?

Nogaxeh · 06/10/2024 20:22

Moonshiners · 06/10/2024 20:09

Why are biscuits charged VAT and not cake? What was the reason for this?
I can't decide which I love more but they are so very similar.

It's a class thing. The working class have biscuits with their tea. The upper class have cake. VAT on biscuits. Not on cake.

FifiFalafel · 06/10/2024 20:22

Moonshiners · 06/10/2024 20:11

Though some biscuits (Oreos) and some cakes (Battenburg) should vated just for being vile.

If they put VAT on Battenburg I will kill again.

Sometimeswinning · 06/10/2024 20:20

I’d make my own cake. I wouldn’t expect people to care much for me if they hadn’t brought cake themselves. They may even laugh at me and tell me to get over it!

Moonshiners · 06/10/2024 20:11

Though some biscuits (Oreos) and some cakes (Battenburg) should vated just for being vile.

Moonshiners · 06/10/2024 20:09

Why are biscuits charged VAT and not cake? What was the reason for this?
I can't decide which I love more but they are so very similar.