Reclaiming VAT

sezzer

Hi,

I live in the Channel Islands. Some companies automatically take off the VAT when delivering goods to here.

But now I want a smartphone, and the companies I have phoned won't take it off.

How would I go about reclaiming the VAT once I buy the phone (or any other expensive goods)?

Thanks for your help...

thenudeone

They probably assume that CI are part of the UK for VAT purposes.

If a UK supplier sends goods to the Channel Islands it is classed as an export
http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageLibrary_ShowContent&id=HMCE_CL_001255&propertyType=document

Therefore - they should not charge UK VAT (but they must comply with some other basic requirements such as keeping proof of export).

I don't think you can reclaim it once it's been charged. You just need to prove to the supplier that it's classed as an export and has no VAT.