Has anyone with spinal problems managed to get VAT relief for a memory foam mattress?

burnsguitarman

We purchased a Tempur Mattress from Premier Stores in Bolton Lancs 6 yrs

ago.

We filled in forms in store saying my husband had back problems, and that

was that we didn't get charged VAT

Tim_Deegan

burnsguitarman wrote: »

We purchased a Tempur Mattress from Premier Stores in Bolton Lancs 6 yrs

ago.

We filled in forms in store saying my husband had back problems, and that

was that we didn't get charged VAT

Was your husband registered disabled?

jenhug

there is no such thing as Registered disabled anymore, but I would imagine being in receipt of certain disability related benefits or having a medical diagnosis would suffice.

burnsguitarman

No! I don't know if things have changed since then but as far as I remember, he just had to sign that he had suffered from a back problem and was under a consultant at the time.
Looking at the guidelines now, I do't think he would qualify, but we just relied on the retailer giving us the information at the time.

Tim_Deegan

burnsguitarman wrote: »

No! I don't know if things have changed since then but as far as I remember, he just had to sign that he had suffered from a back problem and was under a consultant at the time.
Looking at the guidelines now, I do't think he would qualify, but we just relied on the retailer giving us the information at the time.

Well the retailer and your husband were probably breaking the law.

burnsguitarman

I don't think that was called for!

We didn't declare any untruths and we certainly weren't aware of any wrong

doing! It sounds as though you have a problem!

Zingara

Tim_Deegan wrote: »

Well the retailer and your husband were probably breaking the law.

Wow, someone has a bee in their bonnet about this.

Looking at your post-history you clearly know your stuff on mattresses and beds but I think you are out are out of line with some comments here I'm afraid.

I know that I, and many other people, would trade our VAT exempt status for a normal back!

It is accepted that Tempur are VAT exempt if you qualify. I think most people in this thread have demonstrated that they qualify - it's not up to you to assume they otherwise. My own condition is enough to qualify me as disabled even though I don't look or feel it.

At the end of the day, if your can prove that you would be VAT exempt on items then you can take advantage of that - I've had forms to fill in for each of my purchases detailing the condition, problems it causes me and consultant/hospital details. I'm not going to lose sleep over someone on an internet forum accusing me, or others, of breaking the law when you know nothing about me or my condition!

To make it worse - another shop sold me Tempur pillows and accepted straight away that my condition made me VAT exempt. So that's at least 3 different shops, customs and excise and a specialist care centre (for a memory foam cushion) that accept I have a condition entitling me to VAT relief. It's good enough for me!!

Karen
x

PS VAT relief for backache (with no underlying medical condition) is not accepted though. Any organisation trying to use this to get sales should get in trouble.

Who can claim VAT Exemption Relief on purchases?

Eligible Individuals

If you are chronically sick or disabled and the products are for your personal use. 'Chronic' meaning lasting a long time.
A person is 'chronically sick or disabled' if they:

• have a physical or mental impairment that has a long-term and severe effect on their ability to carry out everyday activities
• have a condition that doctors treat as a chronic (long lasting) sickness (like diabetes or arthritis, for exmple) or
• are terminally ill

Tim_Deegan

burnsguitarman wrote: »

I don't think that was called for!

We didn't declare any untruths and we certainly weren't aware of any wrong

doing! It sounds as though you have a problem!

I didn't say that your husband deliberately broke the law. I was saying that the retailer broke the law by getting your husband to fill the form in. The retailer should know better.

Tim_Deegan

Zingara wrote: »

Wow, someone has a bee in their bonnet about this.

Looking at your post-history you clearly know your stuff on mattresses and beds but I think you are out are out of line with some comments here I'm afraid.

I know that I, and many other people, would trade our VAT exempt status for a normal back!

It is accepted that Tempur are VAT exempt if you qualify. I think most people in this thread have demonstrated that they qualify - it's not up to you to assume they otherwise. My own condition is enough to qualify me as disabled even though I don't look or feel it.

At the end of the day, if your can prove that you would be VAT exempt on items then you can take advantage of that - I've had forms to fill in for each of my purchases detailing the condition, problems it causes me and consultant/hospital details. I'm not going to lose sleep over someone on an internet forum accusing me, or others, of breaking the law when you know nothing about me or my condition!

To make it worse - another shop sold me Tempur pillows and accepted straight away that my condition made me VAT exempt. So that's at least 3 different shops, customs and excise and a specialist care centre (for a memory foam cushion) that accept I have a condition entitling me to VAT relief. It's good enough for me!!

Karen
x

PS VAT relief for backache (with no underlying medical condition) is not accepted though. Any organisation trying to use this to get sales should get in trouble.

Who can claim VAT Exemption Relief on purchases?

Eligible Individuals

If you are chronically sick or disabled and the products are for your personal use. 'Chronic' meaning lasting a long time.
A person is 'chronically sick or disabled' if they:

• have a physical or mental impairment that has a long-term and severe effect on their ability to carry out everyday activities
• have a condition that doctors treat as a chronic (long lasting) sickness (like diabetes or arthritis, for exmple) or
• are terminally ill

At no point have I said that you aren't exempt, or that you are breaking the law, so don't get so paranoid.

I have researched this issue to avoid being prosecuted for making false claims. When I contacted customs and excise they told me that VAT exemption can only be used if like you say you have a long term physical or mental disability, and the product is specifically designed to help that problem.

Many retailers are all to ready to hand out the forms to anyone who just has a slight twinge.

I have issued VAT exemption forms to some customers, but only if they are genuinely entitled.

So please don't think that my comments are in any way aimed at anyone who is entitled to VAT exemption. They are aimed at the stores who use it to get sales.

myaccount08

Interesting thread. We are in desperate need of a new bed but they are so expensive. I just dont know where to start. I had a spinal fusion gone wrong and am housebound and often bed bed now. We need a king size+ and it would be great if i could save some ££.

Are the memory foam mattresses alot better for chronic and severe backpain? What bases are best? what would people recommend and where did you buy? Sorry if i'm high-jacking the thread..