VAT Refund

[davisjj]

How can I apply for a refund of VAT for goods shipped from the UK to the US? The merchant refused to deduct VAT before he shipped.

[Grant Johnson]

That's very odd - I'm not even sure he is ALLOWED to do that. He certainly isn't SUPPOSED to charge VAT for shipments out of the country. Who was it?

Search www.Google.com for "Inland Revenue" and "UK" to find the people in charge of collecting VAT and refunds etc. They should be able to point you right.

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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

[davisjj]

It was a guy at South London Motorcycles; nice enough guy otherwise. I ordered a rain suit from him. Do you think there is any way I can get VAT refunded after the fact?

[Grant Johnson]

You SHOULD be able to from Inland Revenue. They will of course want all receipts, and proof of shipping out of the country. Your invoice should be adequate, and any customs documentation into the US would be very good.

No guarantees. Good luck!

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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

[davisjj]

I'm not familiar with the British bureaucracy. Can you give me an idea how I might contact Inland Revenue?

[Grant Johnson]

READ my first reply - the first 3 hits are Inland revenue UK.

[davisjj]

Turns out that Customs and Excise is the place to go for this. I'm trying to contact them now. I've included the link to their contacts page below for anyone who is interested. Thanks all.

http://www.hmce.gov.uk/contact/email-advice.htm

[Grant Johnson]

thanks for the info and link!

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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

[davisjj]

Final word on my VAT refund saga. I just received the message below from C&E. Seems they can't give a refund - has to come from the guy who wouldn't credit VAT in the first place. Oh well, I still got a good price, even with VAT. Cheers

Dear Sir

Further to your Email dated 01 May 2002 which I am replying to on behalf of
our National Advice centre.

I can confirm that where goods are directly exported from the UK to a
customer in the US the supply of the goods may be zero rated providing that
the seller obtains the required proof of export documentation.
unfortunately Customs and Excise are unable to reimburse any amounts of VAT
charged incorrectly, if you feel that you have been charged incorrectly you
should contact the person who sold the goods to arrange reimbursement.

Yours Faithfully

H Rhodes