VAT refund on UK purchase

gambit83

I had a look around but couldn't find any post on this so hopefully someone can help me out!
Recently a friend of mine purchased a laptop from the UK for his business.
He told them that as it was an export it should not be charged VAT and provided them with his Irish VAT details, but they still charged him the VAT. Afterwards he rang them for a VAT refund but they said that there is nothing they can do now as the purchase has been processed and shipped, and if he wants a refund he has to pay for the shipping return costs.
Is there any way for him to reclaim the VAT?

nompere

It's quite involved, but all the answers are here:

http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/vat/refunds/unregistered-based-in-ireland-faqs.html

Your friend might need his accountant to help.

Swampy

I had a similar issue with ebuyer. I was charged in full but after supplying a VAT cert, company incorporation cert and headed paper it was refunded.

gambit83

thanks nompere, the VAT refund won't be that much so I don't think there's any point paying an accountant to look at it, if we can't do it ourselves we'll prob just leave it off!

Swampy, do you get the refund after the purchase was processed? The company he bought it from are really acting maggots about it, they just keep saying that they can't refund it and that's it

We'll send them a letter with that stuff (VAT cert, company incorporation cert and headed paper) and hope for the best

ssbob

gambit83 wrote: »

thanks nompere, the VAT refund won't be that much so I don't think there's any point paying an accountant to look at it, if we can't do it ourselves we'll prob just leave it off!

Swampy, do you get the refund after the purchase was processed? The company he bought it from are really acting maggots about it, they just keep saying that they can't refund it and that's it

We'll send them a letter with that stuff (VAT cert, company incorporation cert and headed paper) and hope for the best

You should also explain to them that they are legally obliged not to charge you VAT. For them it should be as easy as crediting the original transaction and reinvoicing without VAT thereby enabling them to send you back the difference.

This was their mistake so be firm with them.

nompere

ssbob wrote: »

You should also explain to them that they are legally obliged not to charge you VAT. For them it should be as easy as crediting the original transaction and reinvoicing without VAT thereby enabling them to send you back the difference.

That's absolutely true. At this stage, though, I imagine that the goods have been shipped and money has changed hands. So it's going to be hard to compel them to do anything - though they might be helpful if approached in a conciliatory way. If there's going to be a continuing relationship that might help.