Paying import VAT if self employed?

tyrrelll

Hi guys,

Just after a bit of advice - I am a freelance videographer and I recently used Ebay to purchase some camera equipment from a seller in Canada (Value around £280)

I have just received a letter from customs saying they wont release my package until I pay Import VAT of £69.45 + Clearance fee of £13.50. As this equipment is essential for my business is there any way I can claim any of it back?

Thanks

chrismac1

If you were VAT registered you'd claim the 69.45 back on your next VAT return. Any other fees or duty costs are goners.

John_Pierpoint

Become a farmer ?

paddyrg

Are you registered for VAT? You will know if you are, you will be writing a cheque to HMRC 4 times a year!

If you are not registered, there is nothing you can do. This is what happens when you buy from overseas. FWIW the £69.45 may be VAT and Duty combined. You could not recover the duty, just the VAT.

zygurat789

paddyrg wrote: »

Are you registered for VAT? You will know if you are, you will be writing a cheque to HMRC 4 times a year!

If you are not registered, there is nothing you can do. This is what happens when you buy from overseas. FWIW the £69.45 may be VAT and Duty combined. You could not recover the duty, just the VAT.

If you bought it in the UK you'd still have to pay VAT and carriage.