vat rates  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 09, 2015, 10:11:49 pm
content: Ok so I hate our govt. I hate their VAT more, so if I am disabled and "learning " electronics does that mean I can try it on with not paying VAT because it is a disabled aid for the purpose of Educational needs

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2015, 10:32:39 pm
content: I think they have to be actual "medical" devices for that. Which I also think means mumbo-jumbo shit like homeopathic nonsense and crystal therapy probably gets a free pass. So as long as your supplier is willing to chance the VAT mans arm by claiming that exemption then you should be fine.I would guess the only other way would be to register yourself as a charity, or actually do something useful and set up in business on your own account. As a sole trader you can make purchases and claim back the VAT or not be charged VAT at all by giving your EC VAT number to European sellers, providing the purchases are needed for the running of your business.Of course this is a double edged sword because if you actually make any money then 20% of it is taken by the VAT man... and you can expect a visit if you are constantly claiming VAT when not making any payments of VAT

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2015, 10:35:12 pm
content: If it can be classified as part of a wheel chair or mobility aid etc yes you can claim exemption from VAT. But you can do better than that, I knew someone who booked himself into a Fulbourn mental hospital in Cambridge and convinced the staff that in order to get him well again they had to buy him a top end stereo system,mind you that was in 1976 and today with all the budget cuts it might be a bit harder to do.

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2015, 10:42:46 pm
content: Quote from: G7PSK on November 09, 2015, 10:35:12 pmWell let's face it - Audiophools are all mentally ill. This is just his attempt at claiming he got one over the men in white coats.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 09, 2015, 10:44:08 pm
content: Macbeth your no inspiration, for a scouser I would of thought you could be a bit more ingenious, after all I have watched bread more times than I can count and Joey always had a plan !.G7PSK , I like the idea, now, I wonder if I could get an exemption as part of my mobility award if I get a scooter and claim I need it to keep it in tip top condition...

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2015, 11:43:08 pm
content: Ok, if you really want to know how to not only NOT pay VAT, but get to charge it and trouser it for yourself, then go and ask the ebay global shipping program (Pitney Bowes) how they do it? Because from what I can see they charge you up front for import VAT and duty but do not provide an invoice to claim it back. Somehow HMRC are happy with this arrangement too.I know it involves some tax domiciles including Kentucky but can't let you know. Scouse privilege. The lads from Matrix and HMRC Queens Dock would kill me if I let the cat out the bag...

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 09, 2015, 11:52:18 pm
content: I am entitled to scouse privilege too you know, my dad and his dad owned 3 cobblers shops in Liverpool , and my dad lived in Everton !. Now about those privileges... give.

author: Mechanical Menace
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 11:49:16 am
content: Get into private helicopters and jets. They're VAT exempt as none luxury items :/

author: bookaboo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 12:51:08 pm
content: You have to convince the supplier to give you an exemption, you sign a declaration and it effectively it becomes their decision whether they apply the VAT:https://www.gov.uk/financial-help-disabled/vat-reliefWe did a project recently where a set of industrial spec traffic lights were adapted for a young man with severe learning difficulties, his parents built a system in the back yard to help him with learning to wait at pedestrian crossings. We checked with HMRC and while the operator only had a very vague understanding he gave us the OK to exempt the VAT.By all means see if you can get an exemption but tread carefully, you don't want to annoy HMRC, after all you aren't starbucks or facebook so you need to pay tax!!

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 12:59:23 pm
content: OK I had some sidelines dealing with this at our talking newspaper for the blind i help run.You can only get VAT excemption on stuff that is specifically designed to help overcome a dissability. So we use MP3 speaker players often sold as boom boxes, the company that supplies us had to have a specific model designed and made exclusively for them that they only sell for the purposes of the blind. Because the product is specific they can sell it VAT exemp, but if they were importing any old boom box that was being sold to everyone they could not discount the VAT. Or if they started selling the blind persons boom box as a regular item to anyone they would have to charge us VAT as well. So it's a unique product. In this case it was not just to screw the tax man but they really are designed for the use of a blind person.

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 01:59:29 pm
content: I buy lead acid batteries about once a year for my wife's power chairs and scooters, any of which could be used on other devices or vehicles, they are VAT exempt I just have to confirm on-line that they are for mobility purposes.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 05:32:15 pm
content: Quote from: G7PSK on November 10, 2015, 01:59:29 pmthe responsability lies with the retailer. They can claim the VAT discount on the grounds that the customer is disabled, but on their head be it. Many retailers will not take this risk.