Non VAT registered builders all quoting with VAT added... am I being thick?

Sarahpuggy

Can't you check their company status on Companies House, rather than Checkatrade?

Risteard

Sarahpuggy said:

Can't you check their company status on Companies House, rather than Checkatrade?

Presuming that they are a limited company (as opposed to sole trader etc.) then Companies House would not show whether they are VAT Registered or not. The VAT number can be verified on the so-called "EU's" European Commission's VAT site https://europa.eu/youreurope/business/taxation/vat/check-vat-number-vies/index_en.htm

ris2015

Remember also that a non-vat registered builder will charge your materials at the vat inclusive price, since they will not be able to claim that back. It is the labour charge that cannot have the 20% vat added.

Doozergirl

theonlywayisup said:

Do any of your quotes have a VAT number on them?

Ours don't.  They're on straightforward letterhead, but I'm not expecting that it needs to be checked on a quote.  It goes on the invoice, within the invoice, as per the law. 

I think there's something wrong with checkatrade there.  Not that it's amazing to start with.