Charged VAT on disability equipment

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Dovetail22uk
Dovetail22uk Online Community Member Posts: 5 Listener
My work have funded an electric add on for my wheelchair (alongside an Access to Work grant) and the company they have ordered from charged them VAT "as they are a company" even though it's specifically for me. Anyone have any knowledge on this? It's added more than £1k onto the price!

Comments

  • forgoodnesssake
    forgoodnesssake Online Community Member Posts: 517 Empowering
    If a company buy it then as far as I know it is not VAT exempt, it's only individuals and charities buying for individuals that can claim the exemption

    Do you qualify for VAT-free goods

    You’ll only be able to have eligible goods VAT-free if you’re chronically sick or disabled and the goods are for your personal or domestic use. You do not need to be registered disabled or eligible for any other benefit to qualify for VAT-free goods.

    What HMRC mean by ‘personal or domestic use’

    This means that the goods are made available specifically for the use of an individual disabled person.

    The following are not ‘personal’ or ‘domestic’ uses and are not VAT-free:

    • goods used for business purposes



  • WelshBlue
    WelshBlue Online Community Member Posts: 820 Championing
    edited July 2023
    i know that disability products for personal use are exempt ... not so sure about business as it's pertaining to the business. They'll be able to claim the VAT back as it's "for business purpose" As you're an employee ?

    Edit ... ... presuming they're VAT registered

    VAT men make the Tax Man look like good samaritans from my experience  :)


  • Dovetail22uk
    Dovetail22uk Online Community Member Posts: 5 Listener
    WelshBlue said:
    i know that disability products for personal use are exempt ... not so sure about business as it's pertaining to the business. They'll be able to claim the VAT back as it's "for business purpose" As you're an employee ?

    Edit ... ... presuming they're VAT registered

    VAT men make the Tax Man look like good samaritans from my experience  :)


    Thanks for all your comments - I contacted them and said that it shouldn't apply as the product is specifically and solely for my use and they have refunded it!

  • WelshBlue
    WelshBlue Online Community Member Posts: 820 Championing
    @Dovetail22uk ... glad to hear it's turned out for the good  :)

    I hope the add on makes your life a lot easier