Claming Back VAT on exported Laptop

chiefmissile

Hi,

I am moving to Oman in December for 3 years and looking at buying a Laptop in the next couple of weeks before i go, question is how do i claim back the VAT when i depart through Heathrow? Do i have to buy from a retailer who deals in export sales? or can i just buy from any retailer and produce the receipt at the airport? any answers and help would be much appreciated.

Stuball_2

I would have thought you would need to be vat registered to claim UK vat back if you buy it in the uk.

chiefmissile

Thanks, only need to be VAT registered if you are a company selling items not if you are buying one item to export. If you were in say Canada, you can claim back all taxes on items purchased when you leave the country provided you show all receipts.

cledor

Not sure if you'll be entitled as the refund scheme is primarily intended for tourists, but you can read about the Retail Export Scheme here http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/faqs/vat-customs/vat-refund
and
http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageLibrary_ShowContent&id=HMCE_CL_000159&propertyType=document

I would simply buy the laptop in Oman or in nearby Dubai, you'll get local support and prices are very competitive.

Cook_County

chiefmissile wrote: »

Hi,

I am moving to Oman in December for 3 years and looking at buying a Laptop in the next couple of weeks before i go, question is how do i claim back the VAT when i depart through Heathrow? Do i have to buy from a retailer who deals in export sales? or can i just buy from any retailer and produce the receipt at the airport? any answers and help would be much appreciated.

You cannot reclaim VAT if purchased in the UK.

ajsrdg

Cross-reference parallel thread:
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=15939595