VAT & Stage Hire Costs
Understand VAT on staging, production services, and event infrastructure. Plus a simple VAT calculator.
When budgeting for outdoor stage hire and event production, VAT is often the difference between a quote that looks “about right” and a final invoice that lands higher than expected. This page explains how VAT typically applies to stage hire and related event services in the UK, and includes a VAT calculator so you can quickly estimate your inclusive cost.
How VAT Typically Applies to Stage Hire
In most UK event supply scenarios, stage hire and associated production services are standard-rated for VAT (commonly 20%).
This could include;
Mobile stage hire (trailer stages, truck stages)
Sound (PA) and lighting equipment hire
Generators, cabling, and temporary power distribution
LED screens, vision systems, and control equipment
Delivery, setup, operation, and de-rig labour
If you’re comparing quotes, always check whether pricing is shown ex VAT or inc VAT, and whether any items are listed separately.
What “+ VAT” Means in Event Quotes
If a quote is listed as £2,000 + VAT, that typically means:
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Net (ex VAT): £2,000
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VAT (20%): £400
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Gross (inc VAT): £2,400
Many business-to-business event quotes are shown ex VAT as standard. For public-facing budgets or community committees, it’s usually easier to plan using inc VAT figures unless you know VAT can be reclaimed.
VAT on Complete Outdoor Stage Hire Packages
Where Arc Stage Hire supplies a complete outdoor stage hire package, including staging and any associated production services such as sound, lighting, power, crew, barriers, or temporary structures, VAT is charged on the full invoice. This applies regardless of whether individual subcontractors or suppliers within the delivery chain are VAT registered or not.
As a VAT-registered company, Arc Stage Hire is required to apply VAT to the total value of the services we provide to you as the client.
In some cases, end clients mayappoint multiple suppliers directly (for example, stage hire from one company and power from another). In these situations, VAT will be applied separately by each VAT-registered supplier, and your overall event budget should allow for VAT across multiple invoices.
For clarity and accurate budgeting, we always show VAT clearly on our quotes and invoices, so you can see the full cost of your stage hire and production package from the outset.
Can You Reclaim VAT on Stage Hire?
Whether VAT is reclaimable depends on your organisation’s VAT status and the nature of your event.
Common scenarios:
VAT-registered businesses: often able to reclaim VAT as input tax (subject to normal VAT rules).
Non-VAT registered organisations: typically cannot reclaim VAT and should budget inc VAT.
Charities and community groups: may have specific VAT considerations depending on activity and eligibility.
If VAT recovery is critical to your budgeting, it’s sensible to confirm with your accountant or finance lead early in the planning process.
Comparing ex VAT to inc VAT pricing;
Two quotes can look far apart simply because one includes VAT and one doesn’t.
Forgetting VAT on labour and logistics;
Delivery, crew, and technical operation can carry VAT just like equipment hire.
Common VAT Pitfalls in Event Budgeting
VAT FAQ: Stage Hire & Event Production
Is VAT always 20% on stage hire?
Often, yes but VAT can depend on the supplier and the precise service. The default assumption for UK stage hire and production services is standard-rated VAT.
Will you show VAT on quotes and invoices?
Yes. A professional quote should clearly state whether figures are ex VAT or inc VAT, and show VAT as a separate line where applicable.
Do charities get VAT relief on stage hire?
Sometimes, but not automatically. Eligibility can be specific to the organisation and the activity. If this is relevant, we recommend confirming your position with your finance team.
Need a Clear Stage Hire Quote Including VAT?
If you tell us your event date, location, audience size, and what you need (stage only, or a full production package), we’ll provide a straightforward quote with VAT clearly shown, so you can budget confidently.