Which retailers DO issue VAT receipts?

Valli

Sometimes members of our staff need to buy items for use at work for which we can reclaim the money. But the County Council will not reimburse us without a VAT receipt.

However I have recently been told that Boots 'don't' issue VAT receipts - so we can't buy what we need there. Mothercare, however, had no problems in issuing me a VAT receipt for a child safety item we needed. Sainsbury's hand write them (but work it out wrongly - have done at 2 different stores for 2 different staff members!)

Now I was under the impression that retailers who charge VAT should issue a VAT receipt if asked to do so - I get offered them when I buy fuel!

Anyone else have trouble getting VAT receipts?

Which shops DO issue them?

sarah1972

Here you go:

When a VAT invoice must be issued

If you are registered for VAT you must give any VAT-registered customers a VAT invoice for any standard-rated or reduced-rated goods or services you sell them.
If you are a retailer, you do not need to issue a VAT invoice or receipt unless your customer asks for one.
As a VAT-registered supplier, you may be liable to a fine if you do not issue a VAT invoice for a supply you have made when asked to do so by a VAT-registered customer.
There is a time limit within which VAT invoices must be issued – see the section in this guide on time limits for issuing VAT invoices

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/managing/charging/vat-invoices.htm#3

GentleGiant_2

If shops refuse they are breaking the law as far as I am aware.

It is just laziness.

Valli

Thanks for that - I was under the impression the VAT receipts should be issued.

*wanders off to fire complaint e mail to national chain*

System

doesn't the normal receipt have the vat info on it ?

madtrekker

Tesco will but it's a bit of a PITA. You need to pay at the till, then take the till receipt and your clubcard to customer services and they'll print out a VAT receipt with your address etc on.

Valli

CHRISSYG wrote: »

doesn't the normal receipt have the vat info on it ?

Sometimes you can see, on a receipt, which items VAT has been paid on. But a 'proper' VAT receipt must show

The name and address of the retailer.
The retailer's VAT registration number
The NETT price of the item
The amount of VAT charged
and the total price paid.

If we do make purchases for work (e.g. from Boots) we are not allowed to use loyalty cards because the acquisition of points (ie a benefit to ourselves) could have influenced our purchasing decision.

Also non EU nationals (eg Americans) ask for VAT receipts because they can claim the VAT back as they are not liable to pay VAT because they are not EU citizens; so in London (and other tourist hotspots) it's actually possible to pay NETT prices for goods!