VAT Relief for Medical supportive goods

christina65

Purchased riser chair for husband who has health issues.  The item stated it was subject to VAT relief which we were eligible.  Ordered goods, completed form and sent to Amazon.  Message came back from Amazon stating VAT was not charged on the goods.  Should VAT not be charged for goods in Britain and should the figure shown on the site not state the figure shown is VAT free.  I paid £649 which was the purchase figure, it did not say VAT included or excluded and I expected VAT relief on the figure shown.  The seller on Amazon has a UK address.  Thanks for any explanation which could help me to understand.

Aylesbury_Duck

Can you post a link to the item on Amazon?

shaun_from_Africa

I'm going to go out on a limb and take a guess at this one:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Drive-DeVilbiss-Anti-Microbial-Healthcare-Recliner/dp/B07DB28SL2/ref=sr_1_82?dchild=1&keywords=riser%2Bchair&qid=1590659122&sr=8-82&th=1

Goods that are designed for use by both disabled and non disabled persons and which are eligible for VAT relief should be advertised and sold at the VAT inclusive price and if the buyer qualifies, they can reclaim the VAT after purchase.

Kattekwaad

OP you need to approach HMRC and apply for the relief.

George_Michael

Kattekwaad said:

OP you need to approach HMRC and apply for the relief.

HMRC do not refund the VAT in instances like this.
What should happen is that when making the purchase of qualifying goods, if the purchaser (or the person buying on their behalf) is entitled to get the goods VAT free, they have to fill out the requisite form and give this to the retailer who then supplies the goods at the VAT free price.

JJ_Egan

As above last item i ordered to get VAT free required a form filled .

PS Lloyds the chemist have a big list dealing with vat free and health .

christina65

I have purchased goods before and the price showing prior to purchase stated the vat was included or excluded and the price paid changed from that stated.  The invoice I have received states there is no VAT on the goods.  I have filled the form but it looks like the price paid of £649 stands. I expected the 20% VAT exempt figure to be returned, which would reduce the figure but according to Amazon their is no VAT charged.  Looks like the goods are zero rated for VAT which is unclear on the Amazon site and I did not think this was legal or fair.  If I had bought the chair without any health conditions the price would have been £649 the same as the price with the health conditions. 

shaun_from_Africa

What Amazon or the seller is doing is incorrect and goes against the requirements of HMRC.
Some goods that are for people with disabilities can be sold at zero VAT only but only if those goods are intended for disabled use only (things such as white canes). 
If items are intended for use by both disabled and non disabled purchasers, this must be stated on the advert and they must only be sold VAT exclusive once the required form has been received by the retailer.

Lomast

Is it possible the seller is not vat registered?

unholyangel

Lomast said:

Is it possible the seller is not vat registered?

Was just about to ask that 

shaun_from_Africa

Lomast said:

Is it possible the seller is not vat registered?

In which case, surely they shouldn't have stated that the chair was eligible for VAT relief.