How do I get my money back?

Penn_Wooding

A few months ago I purchased a specific piece of equipment from the US that is solely intended for disabled use. In the UK this would be VAT exempt. However, I forgot to say something to the company in the US and they just sent me the package via FedEx. FedEx them sent me a bill for the VAT. I tried to explain that it should be VAT exempt but they were having none of it and I ended up paying the VAT before things escalated.

So now I'm trying to get the VAT back. I contacted HMRC and finally got through to the right department, charities and disabled VAT. Then the message said that HMRC could not refund the VAT I would have to get back from the supplier. So this is where the confusion starts. The company in the US have nothing to do with VAT, it's FedEx in the UK who took the VAT. Should I be sending them the VAT exemption form? When I spoke to them a few weeks ago they were quite adamant I should not send them any forms because they would not have anything to do with them.

Thanks very much

davidmcn

This is a duplicate thread:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6040827/purchasing-disabled-goods-from-abroad

OP, if you want to discuss it further it's easier for everyone if you just continue the original thread.

KatrinaWaves

I can't see how it has anything to do with the supplier. They sent you the item as requested.

Surely Fedex have collected on behalf of HMRC. HMRC may need to refund fedex who would then refund you.

Penn_Wooding

Yes, I know it's got absolutely nothing to do with the supplier in the US because they don't have anything to do with UK VAT. I think I'll just go back to FedEx and explain to them and hope they understand.

Paul_DNAP

Seems that since the supplier did not export it properly then there is nothing HMRC can do about refunding the import duties/vat, and all you can do is contact the supplier for a refund equivalent to your out-of-pocket costs due to their negligence.


But if you're not going to contact the supplier and HMRC has closed the case then this is the end of this journey for you, nothing else to be done.

Penn_Wooding

Paul_DNAP wrote: »

Seems that since the supplier did not export it properly then there is nothing HMRC can do about refunding the import duties/vat, and all you can do is contact the supplier for a refund equivalent to your out-of-pocket costs due to their negligence.


But if you're not going to contact the supplier and HMRC has closed the case then this is the end of this journey for you, nothing else to be done.

I can't expect the supplier to refund me the money. Unless they are regular suppliers to UK residents then why would they know anything about how our VAT works?

I did send them a copy of the VAT exemption form, not that they can really do anything with it. But now they know the situation and if anybody from the UK orders one of these devices then they can make it quite clear on the outside of the package what's inside.

KatrinaWaves

Paul_DNAP wrote: »

Seems that since the supplier did not export it properly then there is nothing HMRC can do about refunding the import duties/vat, and all you can do is contact the supplier for a refund equivalent to your out-of-pocket costs due to their negligence.


But if you're not going to contact the supplier and HMRC has closed the case then this is the end of this journey for you, nothing else to be done.

How is it negligence? The OP states they didnt tell them it was for disabled use, therefore I assume it is an item which isnt ALWAYS a disabled device.

Penn_Wooding

KatrinaWaves wrote: »

How is it negligence? The OP states they didnt tell them it was for disabled use, therefore I assume it is an item which isnt ALWAYS a disabled device.

No, I don't blame anyone for what happened, especially the supplier in the US. I should have made it quite clear that the device which IS for disabled use only should be VAT exempt. I'm going to contact FedEx and have it out with them.

BoGoF

Are you deliberately ignoring what was said in your original thread......FedExx have done nothing wrong.

Penn_Wooding

BoGoF wrote: »

Are you deliberately ignoring what was said in your original thread......FedExx have done nothing wrong.

Sorry matey, but exactly where have I accused FedEx of doing anything wrong? Maybe you should read my threads properly before throwing around accusations.

[Deleted User]

Penn_Wooding wrote: »

I can only apologise if this is not in the correct place, didn't seem to be anywhere else suitable for posting my question.

I recently purchased a piece of equipment from the USA that is specifically designed for disabled people to use. Because the equipment is designed for disabled use it's VAT exempt in the UK. Unfortunately, the company in the US didn't put anything on the front of the package stating that it was for disabled use. Therefore, FedEx sent me a bill for the VAT.

When I buy something online that is VAT exempt I normally fill out a form and send it to the company who I have bought the item from. I have purchased nondisabled items from abroad once or twice before and I have received a bill from the company who carried out shipping. Obviously, FedEx didn't know that this recent package was a disabled item and have therefore sent me the bill for the VAT. What I don't understand is why I can't simply send off a VAT exemption form to FedEx. They are asking me to go to HMRC and fill in a form online. I just want to get some advice and find out if that is the right procedure.

Penn_Wooding wrote: »

A few months ago I purchased a specific piece of equipment from the US that is solely intended for disabled use. In the UK this would be VAT exempt. However, I forgot to say something to the company in the US and they just sent me the package via FedEx. FedEx them sent me a bill for the VAT. I tried to explain that it should be VAT exempt but they were having none of it and I ended up paying the VAT before things escalated.

So now I'm trying to get the VAT back. I contacted HMRC and finally got through to the right department, charities and disabled VAT. Then the message said that HMRC could not refund the VAT I would have to get back from the supplier. So this is where the confusion starts. The company in the US have nothing to do with VAT, it's FedEx in the UK who took the VAT. Should I be sending them the VAT exemption form? When I spoke to them a few weeks ago they were quite adamant I should not send them any forms because they would not have anything to do with them.

Thanks very much

I'm confused are you saying you think it's the suppliers fault, Fedex or yourself? You certainly seem to think Fedex are out of order for doing their job correctly.