Getting musical equipment using VAT number.

mankyfecker

Is it possible to order musical equipment online while using my VAT number to get the products ex-VAT, rather than having to claim the VAT back myself later.

I know this is common enough for other Electrical / Computer websites but it doesn't seem to be an option for Musical Equipment.

I'm trying to get a PA and a couple of other things, but after contacting a few sites e.g. HTFR, It doesn't seem to be an option.

Does anyone know any sites I should visit?

telecaster

thomann can deduct vat at source once they have your details. This can only be done for transactions outside Ireland but within the EU as far as I know.

mankyfecker

Hey Telecaster, thanks for the quick reply. I'll get on to Thomann with my info and see what they say. :pac:

To be honest, I'm suprised that companies dealing with such expensive equipment don't just have such an option on their sites. But hey, I don't mind having to claim it back later, I would just prefer to do it the easy way.

Fatloss08

i got it done through my old mans business , rang them used the vat no and deducted 21 % at source its class

crazybaldhead

Yes you can do it. Once you buy from a VAT registered trader within the EU you can purchase goods at the zero rate. You do have to declare the acquisition on your VAT return for the specified period in the E1 box as far as I can remember. Just contact who you are purchasing from and give them your details. Should be no problem.

PaulBrewer

Fatloss08 wrote: »

i got it done through my old mans business , rang them used the vat no and deducted 21 % at source its class

Technically Vat Fraud I think you'll find - and now on a public forum ...;)

Savman

Agreed. You have to be registered for VAT for music purposes and the purchases in connection with your business afaik. Otherwise you could land yourself and/or your old man in trouble.

KevLeppard

Hmm...depends on a few things really.

As a general guideline, you gotta remember you can only claim back the VAT on business related expenses, NOT personal expenses. I am assuming that the band is a money making hobby (you guys are not registered with the Tax Office as a business, you dont submit annual accounts either). Therefore, the PA would not be classified as a personal expense. If the band is registered as a business, then you would be entitled to claim back the VAT.

As regards using your old mans VAT number...for the sake of a few quid its not worth the potential hassle it could invite. You and your old man could be up for VAT fraud/tax evasion. Besides, the money you would claim back in the VAT you would make by doing an extra gig r two. In a nutshell, keep your nose clean on this one, at least that way you can sleep at night.

Hope this helps.