How to Properly Account for Event Ticket Sales?

The choice of accounting method impacts not only the financial efficiency of the event but also compliance with prevailing regulations. In this article, we will explore various accounting models and demonstrate how the CONREGO attendee registration system can automate this process.

Accounting for Ticket Sales and VAT

When selling tickets, organizers must consider Value Added Tax (VAT) implications. Key considerations include:

VAT Rate – The standard VAT rate in the UK is 20%. Certain events, such as educational or cultural activities, may qualify for reduced rates or exemptions; however, these are subject to specific criteria and should be verified with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
IMPORTANT: In the current version of CONREGO, it is not possible to apply multiple VAT rates simultaneously when managing event sales!
Invoice Issuer – If the organizer sells tickets directly, they are responsible for issuing invoices and accounting for VAT. When using an intermediary, the intermediary typically handles invoicing and VAT application.

Direct Sales – Greater Control Over Accounting

Opting for direct ticket sales offers organizers:

Avoidance of additional commission costs from intermediaries.
The ability to issue invoices with the appropriate VAT rate for their event.
Full control over financial transactions.

With CONREGO, this process is fully automated. Our Event Management Software:

Generates pro forma and final invoices for attendees.
Integrates with accounting systems, facilitating seamless financial management.
Supports online payments with automatic payment confirmations.

It's important to note that while businesses in the UK may maintain records and accounts in Euros, they are required to prepare their VAT and duty accounts in sterling. Therefore, any accounting software used should be capable of handling dual currency implications to meet HMRC requirements.

Sales Through an Intermediary – Fewer Formalities, Higher Costs

Choosing to work with an external service provider means:

The intermediary issues pro forma and final invoices to attendees.
A standard VAT rate of 20% is applied, which may affect ticket pricing.
Commissions are charged, typically based on the number and value of transactions.

The primary advantage is the reduction in accounting responsibilities—organizers issue a single monthly invoice to the intermediary for tickets sold. Additionally, the intermediary assumes responsibility for the accuracy of tax documentation, as they are the direct ticket seller.

Pro Forma Invoices and Tax Obligations

A pro forma invoice is not an accounting document but is often used to confirm registration and request payment. Key points include:

Payments based on a pro forma invoice must be accurately recorded, with VAT calculated and reported in sterling, as per HMRC guidelines.
Upon receiving payment based on a pro forma invoice, the organizer must issue a final VAT invoice.

Invoices for Foreign Attendees – Common Mistakes and Best Practices

A common error is issuing VAT invoices with a 0% rate for foreign attendees. Participation in an event within the UK is not considered an export of services; therefore, the standard VAT rate applies regardless of the participant’s country of residence.

For sales to foreign businesses, it's essential to verify if they meet the criteria for the reverse charge mechanism (e.g., B2B educational services may be subject to VAT rules in the recipient’s country).

VAT Exemption – Who Can Benefit?

Organizers may be exempt from VAT if their annual turnover does not exceed the registration threshold, which is £90,000 as of April 2024. It's crucial to monitor turnover closely, as exceeding this threshold necessitates VAT registration and the application of VAT to ticket sales.

Summary – How Does CONREGO Automate Accounting?

CONREGO eliminates manual accounting processes and reduces the risk of errors by offering:

Integration with payment gateways (e.g., Stripe, PayPal).
Integration with accounting systems, facilitating efficient financial management (e,g., invoiceocean.com).
Automatic generation of VAT and pro forma invoices.
Support for multiple currencies and languages, essential for international events.

Automating accounting processes allows organizers to focus on what matters most—organizing the event and providing the best experience for attendees. This modern approach to event accounting ensures compliance with legal requirements while significantly enhancing operational efficiency.

If you want to test how CONREGO can assist with accounting for ticket sales, create a trial account.

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. CONREGO is not responsible for any decisions made by the organizer based on the content of this article. Before making any decisions regarding ticket sales accounting, we recommend consulting a licensed tax advisor or the relevant tax authority.