Buying an item VAT Free in Jersey

jinkster

I am a mainland UK resident and interested in purchasing an item from Jersey as it is much cheaper.

I believe I have to pay VAT on the item when it arrives in the UK.

Where do i pay the VAT?

Will the item arrive at the delivery address before VAT paid?

Thanks in advance!

dzug1

If the item is expensive enough to warrant it, Royal Mail (or any other carrier) will bill you for the VAT and their handling fee before the item is delivered.

jinkster

The item is £795 in Jersey and £895 in mainland England

dzug1

That's definitely expensive enough for VAT to be charged. The limit is £18 I believe.

Looks as though it would outweigh any saving.

jinkster

What about if I went to pick the item up as a holiday purchase?

Mikeyorks

Then you risk confiscation of the item on return ...... as I assume you're suggesting not declaring it?

jinkster

I presumed I could buy it as a souvenir but guess not.

Mikeyorks

Afraid not.

Have a look at the Vat rate ..... it may still be cheaper, but there's probably not enough in it to warrant it once postage / handling / VAT added :-

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageImport_ShowContent&id=HMCE_PROD_009989&propertyType=document

...... this is the rough guide to Internet purchases. But it won't be far off. (And you're at 20% VAT, if standard rate .. from early next month)