Tax & VAT

Tax and VAT for Morex members

Important: This guidance is for general information only. Morex Network is not a tax adviser. Please consult your accountant or a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your circumstances.
The basics

Morex Credits are treated the same as cash by HMRC

Because Ṁ1 = £1 sterling, HMRC treats Morex Credits transactions the same as cash for tax and VAT purposes. HMRC's Business Income Manual BIM40051 establishes that trading income received in non-monetary form is taxable in full.

Income tax and corporation tax

Morex Credits income is taxable income

Record all Morex Credits income at face value — Ṁ1 = £1. Morex Credits purchases are deductible as normal business expenses, the same as cash purchases.

VAT

VAT applies to the full transaction value

VAT applies to the full value of every transaction including the Morex Credits element, calculated at Ṁ1 = £1.

Example: £800 net work paid in Morex Credits:

Net value£800.00
VAT at 20%£160.00
Paid in Morex CreditsṀ800
VAT paid in cash£160.00
Sterling preserved£800

We recommend ensuring the cash element covers at least the VAT due to protect your cashflow.

Relevant HMRC references: VATVAL05100 and VATVAL05200.

Invoicing

Always issue a proper invoice

Every Morex Credits transaction should be supported by a proper invoice — including how much was paid in Morex Credits and how much in sterling.

Accounting

Recording Morex Credits in your accounts

Treat your Morex Credits account as a separate ledger entry at Ṁ1 = £1.

  • Positive balance — a current asset
  • Negative balance — a current liability
  • Sales — record as turnover at face value
  • Purchases — record as normal business expenses
VAT registration

Does Morex Credits income count toward the VAT threshold?

Yes — at face value. If your total taxable turnover including Morex Credits income exceeds £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period, you must register for VAT.

Wages

Can I pay wages in Morex Credits?

No. Under the National Minimum Wage Act 1998, wages must be paid in sterling. You cannot pay employees in Morex Credits, either in whole or in part.