How should the total value of purchases or supplies, excluding VAT, be rounded?

In the context of accounting and taxation, especially concerning indirect tax such as VAT, the standard practice for rounding the total value of purchases or supplies, excluding VAT, is to round to the nearest pound. This methodology aligns with typical financial reporting practices within the UK, where VAT calculations are common.

Rounding to the nearest pound simplifies financial statements and ensures that figures remain in a manageable format for both reporting and auditing purposes. It also reflects a standard monetary unit that stakeholders are familiar with, enhancing clarity in financial transactions.

In practice, rounding to the nearest penny, dollar, or hundred would either introduce unnecessary complexity or deviate from conventional norms in the relevant jurisdiction. Hence, the preferred and correct approach is to round to the nearest pound for any sums exclusive of VAT.