Amazon UK VAT Invoices

burnoutbabe

I have this issue at work as well, trying to get VAT details out of them.

On some invoices it even says "total before VAT" and total AFTER VAt, which are the same (so one assumes NO VAT applicable) and then separately the seller sends a VAT invoice. So you really can't tell who you have to chase or not for one.

ticketcollector

If they refuse to provide you with a VAT invoice (clearly itemising it if over the simplified invoice amount) and have a VAT number, then you should account for it in the normal way and if any questions arise (HMRC inspections etc) you can show you tried your hardest to get a VAT invoice out of them. Maybe even infer that they are not charging VAT which HMRC would be very interested in if they are registered.

If you have their VAT number check it out at 'http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/'

I would also give Customs Confidential a ring to report the company for not charging VAT on vatable goods despite being registered. Also claiming to be registered when your not is also a no no.

0800 595 000 or 00 800 55 595 000 (international freephone) 0208 929 0153(landline)

Shake

I had a similar experience via Amazon trying to get a VAT invoice from a computer monitor supplier ITR Worldwide Ltd that stated they were VAT registered on their Amazon profile. ITR has not responded to repeated requests for a VAT invoice via the Amazon messaging centre over the course of several months, and do not show a telephone contact number. Amazon Customer Service were of no help either and washed their hands of the matter since it was only fulfilled by Amazon...even though Amazon is shown by the entry on my credit card statement. You would expect Amazon to be interested in their reputation being tarnished by unresponsive suppliers but no. However I did find this possible solution below on http://www.accountingweb.co.uk/

A supplier is legally obliged, for most supplies, to give a VAT registered customer a VAT invoice and failure to comply may render the supplier liable to a penalty.

The best solution is to be pragmatic and make sure the recipient is covered for reclaiming the input VAT.

So, if at the time of the supply the supplier refuses to give an invoice, then write to them. Nothing elaborate, just a pro-forma giving the recipient’s VAT details and requesting the proper VAT invoice legally due for the VAT supply made. If the supplier still refuses then there are a range of options, depending on circumstances.

For most small items you have on file a written request to the supplier to provide a proper VAT invoice and it would normally be unreasonable of Customs not to allow deduction where the supplier simply refuses to obey the law.

For larger items, or where there may be a particular risk, the recipient has the options of a reminder letter to the supplier and/or writing to Customs.

robatwork

Good advice above from Shake.

Amazon's lack of clarity regarding VAT invoices is really shoddy and annoying - the last VAT invoice I requested elicited a reply "attached VAT invoice" with nothing attached...

I only buy for business on Amazon when the price including VAT is better than the price excluding from other suppliers. That way the business can't lose.

marlot

I've had two recent deliveries from Amazon marketplace which arrived with no VAT invoice. It means my employer will not refund the cost on my expenses.

This, and the lack of buyer protection if things go wrong, has made me very wary of buying anything from Amazon marketplace again.

Susanjames

This might be of help to anyone concerned about getting a VAT number or invoice from a seller. I am a marketplace seller and as Amazon charges VAT on all Amazon fees to us, including shipping credits, it is essential to give your VAT number to Amazon, in order to avoid paying this VAT, albeit recoverable. As Amazon are not UK based they do not apply VAT to sellers accounts that are VAT registered in the UK, furthermore, they do not give VAT receipts for the VAT charged either and will simply ask proof of a seller's VAT status and will refund any VAT paid. To be selling via fulfilled by Amazon would mean that the seller has a professional selling account, it would not be worth ignoring their VAT Status and paying VAT to Amazon on fees for such a seller. Furthermore all sellers are required to provide the information as part of the verification process, this is not Ebay, where a professional seller can open an account in a couple of minutes.

A look at the about the seller page will show if the seller is VAT-registered and will show the number, if this is not mentioned,it's fairly safe to assume he or she is not. A further option for a prospective buyer is to email the seller ahead of a purchase and ask the question re VAT receipts, the seller is obliged to respond but if no reponse is received, then choose another. The sellers response may well arrive in your spam folder, many do.

williham

Rate them 1 star, they're only allowed a small number of one stars and then hopefully they'll see why.

SimonSays

marlot wrote: »

I've had two recent deliveries from Amazon marketplace which arrived with no VAT invoice. It means my employer will not refund the cost on my expenses.

This, and the lack of buyer protection if things go wrong, has made me very wary of buying anything from Amazon marketplace again.

If you want full service with VAT invoices on tap then don't get cheap on the bottom line

williham

SimonSays wrote: »

If you want full service with VAT invoices on tap then don't get cheap on the bottom line

Vat receipts are a legal requirement!

SimonSays

williham wrote: »

Vat receipts are a legal requirement!

That may be so, but the bad service? A Dave Cameron special?