Claiming VAT from a BFPO delivery.

willrunci

Hello, 

Recently ordered an iPad Pro and accessories from JD Williams to a BFPO address in Brunei. They do not refund the VAT but have supplied me with a VAT Receipt, is there a way i can claim this back from HMRC?

oldbikebloke

shame you did not push harder for them to zero rate it in the first place as that is the correct process
https: //www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/vat-exports-of-goods-from-the-uk/vexp50600

everything i have read says you cannot get a refund for mail order goods after the event 
To claim a refund (vat refund retail export scheme) you have to export them in person as your own baggage and get paperwork stamped by HMRC at the airport as you pass through it 

cheeky-peach

Future ref... anything from Amazon, sold by Amazon can get VAT claimed back if you email them your order number. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201895950

SidneySmutt

Back in the day (80’s) serving at AFNORTH. I got heavily in to Video editing. The kit was eye wateringly expensive. 

When I ordered expensive Titling software for my genlocked Amiga 500 or very expensive editing VCR’s (needed two of them - sigh). 

I ordered via letter, wrote that this was a BFPO VAT free destination. Deducted the VAT from the UK price. Sent the order / cheque. Never had an issue with VAT or Customs. Kit arrived OK. 

Of course this was in the days before the internet. 

sheramber

https://www.gov.uk/tax-on-shopping/taxfree-shopping

Goods you cannot get a refund for

You cannot get a VAT refund for:

• mail order goods, including internet sales, delivered outside of the UK

bhughes1986

Amazon regularly refund the VAT for items sent to BFPO addresses. I’ve done it many times, iPads and all.

DCFC79

OP isn't coming back.

Alias_Omega

sheramber said:

https://www.gov.uk/tax-on-shopping/taxfree-shopping

Goods you cannot get a refund for

You cannot get a VAT refund for:

• mail order goods, including internet sales, delivered outside of the UK

A BFPO address is "NOT" outside of the UK. Child Benefit etc is still paid etc..

peteuk

Alias_Omega said:

sheramber said:

https://www.gov.uk/tax-on-shopping/taxfree-shopping

Goods you cannot get a refund for

You cannot get a VAT refund for:

• mail order goods, including internet sales, delivered outside of the UK

A BFPO address is "NOT" outside of the UK. Child Benefit etc is still paid etc..

For VAT Brunei BFPO is outside of the EU, with most companies refunding the VAT if they are based in the EU and shipping to Brunei.  They usually ask for you to wait until the item has been dispatched (Amazon) or received.  As the OP has found some companies do not understand this and push you to claim it back via other means, some will remove the VAT at source.   
Below is taken from the government web page. 
"Supplies via the BFPO service to British forces personnel based outside the VAT territory of the EU are eligible for zero rating provided that the supplier holds"
https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/vat-exports-of-goods-from-the-uk/vexp50600

bhughes1986

Alias_Omega said:

sheramber said:

https://www.gov.uk/tax-on-shopping/taxfree-shopping

Goods you cannot get a refund for

You cannot get a VAT refund for:

• mail order goods, including internet sales, delivered outside of the UK

A BFPO address is "NOT" outside of the UK. Child Benefit etc is still paid etc..

To be clear, I have personally bought electronics, clothing, fitness equipment and various niff naff and trivia from numerous suppliers, including Amazon and Cotswold Outdoor whilst serving abroad on Ops across the ME. All VAT free.

peteuk

Alias_Omega said

A BFPO address is "NOT" outside of the UK. Child Benefit etc is still paid etc..

Try explaining that to insurance companies who class you as non resident.