Void
Having no legal effect from the outset. A void contract is treated as if it never existed. Distinguished from 'voidable', which is valid until one party elects to set it aside.
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
A void contract or transaction is treated by the law as if it had never come into existence at all — no legal rights or obligations arise from it, and it cannot be enforced by either party. This is distinct from a voidable transaction, which is initially valid and binding but can later be set aside at the election of the party entitled to do so.
HMRC's own guidance on the formation of contracts illustrates one basis on which a contract will be void from the outset: agreements to do something the law forbids. Its guidance states that contracts requiring criminal acts, the commission of a tort (a breach of civil law such as a trespass), and acts in breach of public policy are illegal and void. Because the contract is void rather than merely voidable, there is nothing for either party to affirm or ratify — the law simply does not recognise the arrangement as ever having had legal effect, regardless of what the parties themselves intended.
Related terms
Official sources
This explanation is drawn from the official sources below; every substantive statement is verified against them. For advice on a specific matter, see our find help page.