Being charged VAT by landlord on Business Rates

skippy64

Hi there, just a quick question. I moved into a office building last year, shared with three other businesses where we all pay a % proportion to Rates & utilities direct to the landlord & as I'm not VAT registered I noticed that the landlord has charged VAT @ 17.5% on my share of Business rates & utility bills. Is this right because as far as I'm aware the Business rates are not charged with VAT by the local authority. The other utilities I'd appreciate any thoughts on those as I don't know what VAT rate they charge to businesses.
Cheers, Skippy.

chriz1000

If you aren’t charged VAT on some things, it can be because the company is taking an extra step to help you by reclaiming it before you make the purchase. However if your not VAT registered they can’t do this and you have to pay the VAT. I would check with your local council to find out for certain.
I would also look into it, because if your landlord is VAT registered, chances are there not paying the VAT.