Claiming VAT Back on New Build Property

englandsno7_2

When I moved into my New Build property in Nov 09 the Developer told me I could claim VAT back on Wooden Floors/Blinds etc. I checked the Inland Revenue Website and the only application I could find that was anywhere near the one I wanted was the DIY VAT Refund Claim. I filled it in, but from the forms they requested, thought i'd filled in the wrong application and asked them to clarify which form I needed. They replied saying they still needed these form to decide on the eligibility of my claim. They want the following - Building Regulations Completion Certificate, Certified Date of Completion, What Role did I play in buiding the house (have already stressed I played no part), Building Agreement, Purchase Contract, Handover Documents, and Floor Layout Plans for all Floors. The Claim amounts to about £100, and i'm wondering has anyone else been successful, and is it really worth all the bother to try and get all these papers together for such a small sum of money.

Old_Git

I dont think you can claim back VAT on wooden floors or blinds as they are not really part off the building . If you put carpet or curtains in would you expect VAT back .

I think the developer was telling porkies to get a sale

dbarcl10

Only the builder can claim the VAT back, so if it was a self build house, you would be entitled to the VAT back on the cost of the house building - i doubt that floorings and blinds would be eligble though. If you only bought the completed building, you can't claim any VAT back - you are the end consumer.

CL

dbarcl10 wrote: »

Only the builder can claim the VAT back, so if it was a self build house, you would be entitled to the VAT back on the cost of the house building - i doubt that floorings and blinds would be eligble though. If you only bought the completed building, you can't claim any VAT back - you are the end consumer.

This is not the case at all. We moved into our new build last August and we had a contractor, but we claimed back the VAT on the fixtures and fittings of the house that we paid directly for. We purchased our own bathroom suites, floor tiles, wooden floors and light fittings. You can also claim for outside items like kerbs, tarmac and paving. The details are on the HMRC website if you search for VAT New Build, but their website is down at the minute. From what I remember, you state that you finished off the new build and enclose original receipts, your completion certificate and full set of plans for the house and you must submit within 3 months of the date of the completion certificate I think.

Not sure about blinds.

englandsno7_2

Thanks CL, I have supplied original receipts and Certificate of Completion, but as I said they ask for all those other papers too, which seems like a lot of bother to go to. The house was part-turnkey. Kitchen & Bathroom was included and any extras like Bath Screen, Extra shower, upgrade in Kitchen where paid through the builder, so he there was no Vat paid on it. I had to put floors down. I thought you could claim for anything couldn't take with you if you moved i.e. made-to-measure blinds, wooden floors, fitted appliances. I will look up the website you suggested. Thanks

CL

I know that you can't claim for any "white goods" such as fridge, washing machine, dishwasher and cooker, even if they are integrated.

longforgotten

'DIY self-build' does not just apply to building a new house from scratch so to speak. It also applies to a barn conversion you intend to make your home.

Just thought I'd say....

samcrawford01

I came onto the forum to see whether anyone on here had done a VAT claim for a self build as I am nearing completion on a house I have built and wanted to know peoples experiences.

I know you arn't in exactly the same position as me but the following form on the HMRC website may help - it at least lists what you can and cannot claim for.

As the self-builder, I know I CAN claim for flooring materials (other than carpets and carpet tiles) but NOT for curtains and blinds.


<edit> I can't post links as a new user which is annoying, but if you go on HMRC website and type 'VAT 431NB-VAT' into the search, it gives you a form which outlines loads of stuff!

JasonLVC

You can claim for most flooring materials (not carpets/carpet tiles) but wood flooring is okay. You cannot claim for blinds (made to measure or otherwise), they are not considered to be building materials.

"Building Materials" are items which are "ordinarily incorporated in the construction of a dwelling" and to further clarify that, the removal of such items would cause substantial damage or require major remedial work upon their removal.

As per previous psoter, details in Notice 431NB from HMRC website (link - http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageVAT_Forms&propertyType=document&id=HMCE_PROD1_029776)

Goods that you cannot claim for
This is not a complete list but gives you an idea of what is not allowed.
• Agas/range cookers (Unless they are solid fuel, oil-fired or designed to

heat space or water.

Note not all cookers are ‘space heaters’ because

they incidentally radiate heat while operating. To be classified as such
they must be fitted to a heating module or boiler.)
• free-standing and integrated appliances such as:
cookers, fridges, freezers, dishwashers, microwaves, washing machines,
dryers, coffee machines
• audio equipment (including remote controls), built-in speakers, intelligent
lighting systems, satellite boxes, freeview boxes, CCTV, telephones
• consumables (for example, sandpaper, white spirit)
• electrical components for garage doors and gates (including
remote controls)
• bedroom furniture, bathroom furniture (for example, vanity units,
free-standing units), mirrors
• curtains, blinds, carpets

• garden furniture and ornaments and sheds.