VAT exemption bidet/toilet

Foxtrotter

I'm looking to buy a rather expensive Bidet type shower toilet, sometimes known as a Japanese toilet or washloo and I understand that these purchases can qualify for zero vat rating where the purchaser is suffering from a chronic illness.

I perused the HMRC website to confirm this, but although it confirms this, it doesn't advise on what is a chronic illness. I therefore browsed the web to identify chronic illness and there is actually a list issued by the World Health Organisation and there are in fact two conditions on the list from which I am suffering. I would assume therefore that I meet the criteria to purchase at zero vat.

The retailer sent me a declaration form to complete but this states that the goods are being supplied to suit my condition. This seems to differ from the HMRC information which basically says any chronic condition.

So my problem is that I have chronic conditions but they dont actually affect me using the toilet and therefore I dont need the bidet because of my condition.

So the question is do I still qualify for zero vat?

Unfortuantely there no point asking HMRC as they wont offer advice on particular illnesses.

Just wondering if anyone has any experience in this area and can advise?

kingfisherblue

We have a Closomat toilet, which is a brand of shower toilet. It was installed as a part of a Disabled Facilties Grant when a downstairs bathroom was built for my son. At the time, he was doubly incontinent. Now, although he is no longer in nappies, it is invauable for a small level of independence for him, as he cannot clean himself properly.

I can't help on the VAT exemption (although I know that we did receive it on both the original Closomat sixteen years ago, and it's replacement about four or five years ago), but I can say what a great help it has been for my son. Remember that you need to budget for annual servicing, and that at some point parts may become obsolete and you may have to buy a replacement (which is why we had a new Closomat a few years ago).

sheramber

Do both conditions need to be met- chronic illness and goods specifically to help illness?

or

Does chronic illness alone allow you claim VAT free.

According to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-relief-on-certain-goods-if-you-have-a-disability

you are buying the goods because of you disability

Foxtrotter

sheramber wrote: »

Do both conditions need to be met- chronic illness and goods specifically to help illness?

or

Does chronic illness alone allow you claim VAT free.

According to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-relief-on-certain-goods-if-you-have-a-disability

you are buying the goods because of you disability

I think this probably answers my question, but my problem is that I have a certain chronic illness which requires medication and unfortunately the medication is responsible for numerous visits to the toilet, hence the need for the wash loo. Its debatable whether this situation qualifes for vat exemption, but it seems HMRC won't offer any advice and leave it up to the individual to decide!

antrobus

Foxtrotter wrote: »

I think this probably answers my question, but my problem is that I have a certain chronic illness which requires medication and unfortunately the medication is responsible for numerous visits to the toilet, hence the need for the wash loo. Its debatable whether this situation qualifes for vat exemption, but it seems HMRC won't offer any advice and leave it up to the individual to decide!

I wouldn't worry about it. To get the VAT relief, you complete the declaration and specify whatever disability or chronic sickness you have.

That's it.

As far as I'm aware there is no roving team of paramedics operating under a contract with HMRC who go around knocking on doors and asking probing questions of claimants.

Complete the form and get your discount.

sheramber

Since it is a VAT exemption it is the firm who will be required to pay the VAT if the claim is not allowable.

Foxtrotter

I raised the query with HMRC via their website, but as yet they haven't answered (well they are very busy you know). So tomorrow I'm going to complete the form and make the purchase vat free. If you don't hear from me again I've probably been locked up for making a false declaration.

Justagardener

Foxtrotter said:

I raised the query with HMRC via their website, but as yet they haven't answered (well they are very busy you know). So tomorrow I'm going to complete the form and make the purchase vat free. If you don't hear from me again I've probably been locked up for making a false declaration.

I know this thread is a few years old but did you manage to get the unit vat free and was it as simple as getting a from the manufacturer?

[Deleted User]

^might be best to start a new thread ?