vattaxacademies1

Past event

VAT and tax update for academies

18 March 2026 • Charities and Not-For-Profits • Charity Tax • Education • Tax • VAT

On Wednesday 18 March, we hosted a seminar covering the key VAT and direct tax matters that academy trusts should be aware of for the year ahead. The session focused on VAT recovery in practice, including Section 33b, partial exemption and VAT 126 claims, as well as more complex areas such as mixed income streams and trading activity.

We also covered current HMRC focus areas, including increased enquiry activity, Making Tax Digital, and common issues around VAT registration, exempt income, and capital projects.

The direct tax section explored trading exemptions, the use of subsidiaries, and key considerations around fundraising, Gift Aid, and commercial activity. The session concluded with a Q&A, followed by the opportunity for attendees to connect with others in the sector.

If you would like to discuss how these developments apply to your academy trust, please get in touch.

Download the slides from the session

Speakers

Socrates Socratous

Socrates has more than 35 years’ experience in the profession advising on a wide range of VAT issues but specialises in the charity and not-for-profit sector including educational bodies, welfare/NHS charities, membership organisations, housing associations and cultural organisations such as theatres and museums. He has experience in advising on property and construction projects, negotiating VAT recovery methods and undertaking VAT reviews which encompass liability issues and the application of the zero rate reliefs. He also has experience of the Alternative Dispute Resolution process and has provided support to clients in preparing for VAT tribunal appeals.

Charities and Not-For-ProfitsEducation

Socrates Socratous

Partner and Team LeaderVAT

Luke Savvas

Luke and his team advise on all areas of taxation affecting both the commercial and not-for-profit sectors, providing tailored support to clients ranging from small family-owned businesses to large international organisations. His expertise covers structuring advice, property transactions, business and investment tax reliefs, fundraising tax matters, charitable trading, qualifying charitable investments and funding, Gift Aid and other forms of tax-efficient giving, as well as employment tax.

Charities and Not-For-ProfitsCharity Tax

Luke Savvas

Partner and Team LeaderCharity Tax