Selling 'duty free' item, do I have to pay tax man back??

wendywhite

Hi long story short, I am selling an Itouch bought in a 'duty free' shop in heathrow just a few weeks ago. I am being asked some odd questions by an ebay member, just wondering if he is a tax man in disguise? Is what I am doing legal, anyone know please?? Thanks

logana

Where were you flying to ?

If it was within the EC then my understanding is that the item was discounted by the shop by 15% to offer a saving equivalent to not paying VAT.

The VAT would have paid to HMRC as normal although on the lower sale price.

If it was outside the EC then it is possible that no VAT was accounted for on the sale. Hopefully someone else can confirm this.

Did you state in the auction that it was purchased at Heathrow (why?).

custardy

also depends if the item was bought by you for you,or to sell

wendywhite

I said that it was purchased at the airport because I like to be honest and tell the story behind the item. It was bought for me to use and then I found my original one!!!!!

custardy

thought i was the only one to buy an ipod to replace a lost one then find it

wendywhite

Oh really custardy?? No you are not alone.....thought I had left it in hotel we stayed in prior to flight, so hubby bought me a new one at the airport.....ah bless him.....only to find the original one in a carrier bag along with the M&S sandwiches I had bought for the flight..................no he was very patient with me.......lol:D

logana

wendywhite wrote: »

I said that it was purchased at the airport because I like to be honest and tell the story behind the item. It was bought for me to use and then I found my original one!!!!!

Ok that explains the funny questions from your buyer - but were you flying within the EC - if so VAT has been paid and there is no problem that I can think off. Duty-free for travelers within the Community was abolished in 1999.