How long does it take to recieve a VAT refund?

martindow

nhow wrote: »

I'm not a company...just an individual. Coffee is meant to be exempt from VAT. And HMRC has never made a mistake before now. The shipper didn't use a code. Just filled out the customs label on the outside of the package.

Once you get the VAT charge back you are able to request the handling fee back separately.

The carrier doing the custom's clearance enters the commodity code to submit to HMRC. I imagine they deal with each consignment very quickly so there is scope for errors. If you get coffee regularly from these people I'd ask them to put the correct code on to avoid this hassle in the future.

Are you sure you will get the handling fee back? I thought that customs clearance is needed for items over 15 Pounds whether VAT is payable or not.

nhow

martindow wrote: »

The carrier doing the custom's clearance enters the commodity code to submit to HMRC. I imagine they deal with each consignment very quickly so there is scope for errors. If you get coffee regularly from these people I'd ask them to put the correct code on to avoid this hassle in the future.

Are you sure you will get the handling fee back? I thought that customs clearance is needed for items over 15 Pounds whether VAT is payable or not.

I'm not sure about that. I had another wrongly charged parcel a couple years ago (not coffee) and once I got the VAT refunded I applied for a refund on the handling and that was also returned. But it was under £15 value so perhaps that's why it was refunded.

I still haven't received anything back from HMRC and no reply. I filed a complaint but no reply to that either. It's now been more than 3 months since I sent the original request! And the Adjudicator won't touch it....they say I have to await HMRC's decision...but there hasn't been any. Very frustrating.

Brassedoff

Coventry is my local office, the place is a nightmare to be honest as it has several depts. I have gone in a few times over the years, what a waste of life. Queues 40+ deep. And it's a big place.

nhow

Brassedoff wrote: »

Coventry is my local office, the place is a nightmare to be honest as it has several depts. I have gone in a few times over the years, what a waste of life. Queues 40+ deep. And it's a big place.

I guess giving money back is not their highest priority....sigh

System

I bought a lot of stock in the first quarter, VAT account showing as a debit of around £5k, not sure what HMRC will do, will they just put this into my bank?

martindow

berbastrike wrote: »

I bought a lot of stock in the first quarter, VAT account showing as a debit of around £5k, not sure what HMRC will do, will they just put this into my bank?

Brassed Off has explained the likely situation in post no 10. You will need to give HMRC more information before you might get a refund.

nhow

Miracles never cease! Just got a letter from the Border Agency saying they are refunding my VAT and giving me the address of Parcelforce to reclaim their fee!

nhow

I got full refunds from both HMRC and Parcelforce. Only took almost 4 months.

martindow

nhow wrote: »

I got full refunds from both HMRC and Parcelforce. Only took almost 4 months.

Well done!