VAT numbers in Europe

Skylinehead

Hi,
I'm buying PC components from two sites (Scan.co.uk based in England and hardwareversand.de in Germany) and I intend to use my parents VAT number to get the VAT deducted. My question is how does this process work with EU countries, is the VAT taken off the bill at source or is it claimed back, is it Irish or German rate deducted and what exactly is a "reduced rate" (the German site cites a reduced rate of 13.5% for Ireland)?

Thanks in advance!

srsly78

With hwvs here is how you order and get vat knocked off:
1. Place your order as normal
2. Send them a mail asking them what is the ex-vat price, include all your vat details and the relevant order number etc.
3. When they reply and confirm the correct amount send them the money as normal.
4. Enjoy your vat free gear.

Note:
Do NOT send them the full amount incl vat expecting to be able to reclaim this. Yes you can file a European Vat Return (EVR) request but it can take over a year to process... I'm still waiting for a refund from 2010 from Germany. Since then I have found the correct way to order gear for company from hwvs.

Note2: Don't forget to put the IE in front of your vat number.

Note3: You cannot use your parents VAT number for personal purchases, this is illegal. It can only be used for company purchases.

Note4: This counts as imports and must be declared on VIES returns. Similarly on the Germans side it will be declared as exports, with your irish VAT number noted.

Skylinehead

Nice one, cheers!

Shane732

Just to reiterate you cannot use your parents VAT to claim VAT back on purchases and/or receive goods net of VAT from other countries unless those purchases are going to be used for the furtherance of the business to which the VAT number was granted.