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Battery question
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VAT relief doesn't apply to general use items such as
batteries even if they’re being bought for use in equipment that was bought VAT free. For
example, you can't buy a standard battery VAT free for use in your mobility scooter but you
can buy a VAT-free battery that was designed only to be used in mobility scooters
http://www.inclusive.co.uk/Lib/Downloads/hm-revenue-and-customs-vat-relief.pdf0 -
OK I have found a local supplier for these batteries @ £108 for 2 - inc VAT !
I understand that VAT can be reclaimed post purchase - since they are part and parcel of a mobility scooter ?
Or should they be VAT free in the initial purchase ?
You can get quality AGM batteries with a decent auto charger included for less than that.
If you don't use a fully automatic maintenance charge when not in use they won't last any longer than your first set.
https://www.batterybayuk.co.uk/2-x-leoch-agm-22-ev---12volt-22ah-rechargeable-agm-batteries-311-p.asp
https://www.batterybayuk.co.uk/leoch-lc4-24-3a---24volt-3amp-battery-charger-242-p.asp
Make a claim for the VAT yourself.0 -
Many battery retailers offer batteries for disabled customers VAT free. However, as much as we’d like to, this isn’t something that we are able to offer as HMRC advice states that companies are only able to supply batteries zero rated for VAT if that company both supplies and fits the batteries in that single transaction
https://www.mobilitypitstop.com/articles-guides/a-guide-to-buying-mobility-batteries/0 -
Purchased some batteries for MIL's electric wheelchair and they didn't charge the VAT at time of purchase.
Maybe it's changed or other companies work differently?Censorship Reigns Supreme in Troll City...0 -
"5.5 Goods provided in the course of adaptation or repair and maintenance services
Excluding the goods being adapted, you can zero rate any goods that you necessarily supply in the course of a supply of adaptation or repair and maintenance, where these services qualify for VAT relief as explained in paragraph 5.2 and paragraph 5.4.
For example, a general purpose battery may be zero-rated when supplied as part of a wider service of repair and maintenance of a zero-rated mobility scooter. But zero rating will not apply when a general purpose battery is simply supplied to a disabled person. In such circumstances, the main supply is not one of repair and maintenance but a supply of a standard-rated product."
This appears to say - if a supplier also fits the batteries - they can be VAT free ?
Since my supplier does just this - but tells me that "The price quoted also includes vat" This must mean that I can reclaim VAT on any battery purchase for mobility scooter use ?0 -
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This appears to say - if a supplier also fits the batteries - they can be VAT free ?
Since my supplier does just this - but tells me that "The price quoted also includes vat" This must mean that I can reclaim VAT on any battery purchase for mobility scooter use ?
If you think that you meet all the conditions for VAT-free goods but have been incorrectly
charged VAT you should ask your supplier for a refund. There’s no facility for HMRC to
refund VAT to you.
http://www.inclusive.co.uk/Lib/Downloads/hm-revenue-and-customs-vat-relief.pdf0 -
Why are you paying more than you need to from a supplier that is less than helpful regarding the VAT, this is MSE!
Your local supplier is obviously not a knowledgable battery specialist.
You obviously did not read the BatteryBay link that I posted because they have an online VAT exemption form for you to fill in to claim yourself when ordering!
https://www.batterybayuk.co.uk/vat-exemption-form-21-w.asp
Also - some advice sought on charging
I simply fully charged the old batteries after every use and then gave them a top-up just before using again - is this going to reduce the life span of the batteries?
However you are totally missing the point that your batteries have failed, due to you not properly looking after them.
You are wasting your money if you don't change your charging routine.
They should be on a permanent maintenance charge when not in use!
Just a few milliamps keeps them in tip top condition and costs far less than you are paying every two years for replacement batteries.
When maintained properly batteries will last many years, as owners of little used classic cars will testify.0 -
Yep a quality battery should last a long time. My Clarke jump pack had an 18Ah SLA battery in it. Purchased around 2006 and it held its charge well and started someones car in the hospital carpark in 2014. Its weak now though.
Moved over to supercaps for a jump starter. Not suitable for your situation though. Not unless you want to go really fast for a very short distanceCensorship Reigns Supreme in Troll City...0
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