What does it mean when goods and services are VAT exempt?

When goods and services are VAT exempt, it signifies that no VAT is applied to the sale of those goods or services, and businesses involved in these transactions cannot reclaim any input VAT incurred on costs related to them. This means that while the final consumer does not pay VAT on these exempt goods or services, businesses also do not have the ability to recover VAT they have paid on purchases made in relation to these specific transactions.

Typically, VAT-exempt categories might include certain medical services, education, and some financial services, which are deemed important to keep affordable for the public. The inability to reclaim input VAT is a significant aspect of being VAT exempt, as it differentiates them from other cases in which businesses can recover VAT charged on purchases related to their business activities.

In contrast, options suggesting a reduced VAT rate or the ability to reclaim VAT do not apply to VAT-exempt goods and services, as these would indicate that VAT is either being charged or could be mitigated, which is not the case with exempt items. Additionally, stating that they are charged at the standard VAT rate contradicts the very definition of being VAT exempt.