Choosing a Gold Dealer
VAT on Silver in the UK
Understand the UK VAT position for physical silver, the difference from investment gold, and why Bullion House does not claim to offer VAT-free silver.
At a glance
Is silver bullion subject to VAT in the UK?
UK retailers charge standard-rate VAT on physical silver bought for delivery unless a specific rule applies. Investment gold has a separate exemption. Bullion House does not currently offer VAT-free silver.
- The standard UK VAT rate is 20% for most goods and services.
- Investment gold has a specific exemption that does not cover silver as a class.
- Bullion House does not currently offer VAT-free silver.
Written by
Richard Lyttle leads Bullion House across product standards, customer experience, and educational review. He reviews high-trust buying guidance so customers can understand physical gold, tax-sensitive product features, and resale considerations before they buy.
Reviewed by Liam Yarwood on 22 Jul 2026
On this page
VAT on physical silver
HMRC states that the standard VAT rate is 20% for most goods and services. UK retailers charge that rate on physical silver for delivery unless a specific VAT rule applies.
Product type and transaction structure can affect tax treatment. Check the invoice and current HMRC guidance, then take tax advice where the position affects a material decision.
Why investment gold uses different rules
HMRC provides a specific exemption for qualifying investment gold. That gold exemption does not create a blanket VAT exemption for silver coins or bars.
Be wary of VAT-free silver claims
Some offers use storage, overseas ownership or specialist market arrangements. Those terms can change possession, access, fees, counterparty exposure and the VAT result.
Bullion House does not currently offer a VAT-free silver programme. Our silver pages must show the applicable product and checkout totals without suggesting an unavailable scheme.
Compare purchase and resale cost
Review VAT, dealer premium, delivery, storage and resale spread together. Silver also takes more storage space than the same value of gold, which can affect insurance and handling costs.
Read our guide to investing in silver in the UK for ownership, storage, volatility and resale checks.
Frequently asked questions
Is all silver charged at 20% VAT?
The product and transaction determine the VAT treatment. UK retailers charge the standard rate on physical silver for delivery unless a specific rule applies. Check the invoice and current HMRC guidance.
Does Bullion House sell VAT-free silver?
No. Bullion House does not currently offer a VAT-free silver programme. Its silver pages show the applicable price and checkout totals.
Next practical step
Sources and further reading
Rules and market terms can change. Check the dated sources below and take advice on tax, regulation or personal finances where your position calls for it. For the practical side of buying or selling physical gold, speak to the Bullion House team.
Related guides
Use these to check the next part of your decision.
- Choosing a Gold Dealer
How to Invest in Silver in the UK
A UK guide to physical silver, vaulted ownership, exchange-traded products and mining shares, including VAT, costs, custody, risk and resale.
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CGT-Free Gold in the UK
A source-led UK guide to investment-gold VAT, sterling legal-tender coins, Capital Gains Tax, non-exempt gold, records and disposal planning.
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