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Apple App Store VAT

  • 25-05-2011 12:08PM
    #1
    riskybiscuit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7 ✭


    Does anyone know if I can reclaim VAT on business software downloads from Apple's new desktop App Store Application?
    Apple do not issue VAT receipts.
    From what I can see there is 21% VAT charged on any purchase made through the App Store application.


Comments

  • #2
    MBateson
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 169 ✭✭MBateson


    Does Apple not send you an invoice (by email) for any purchases? The VAT should be on that. They are obliged to send you a VAT invoice as Amazon etc. do.


  • #3
    riskybiscuit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7 ✭riskybiscuit


    Nope, They issue a receipt by email alright but no VAT is shown.


  • #4
    JohnK
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,780 ✭✭✭JohnK


    You should be able to just request a vat receipt from them based on this http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/work/small-business/article.html?in_article_id=500346&in_page_id=10


  • #5
    lukejr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 265 ✭✭lukejr


    Anyone find out how to do this?


  • #6
    srsly78
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,157 ✭✭✭srsly78


    http://store.apple.com/ie/help/payments
    apple wrote:
    Where do I enter my VAT registration number?

    If you are buying for a business and have a registered account on the Apple Store for Business, you may enter your VAT registration number when you choose your payment method and when you verify your order during the check-out process. The VAT registration number will be printed on your invoice. If you do not have an account, click here to register or call 1800 923898.


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  • #7
    lukejr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 265 ✭✭lukejr


    I think you're confusing the Apple Store and the Apple App Store.

    Getting a VAT invoice for physically purchasing something from Apple.com/ie is fine, they always issues the receipt with stated VAT number.

    However, if you purchase an App for work either on your iOS device, or through the Mac App Store. That is the online software store. There isn't an option to print a VAT receipt.

    You get an email confirmation of purchase, but the VAT amount and number isn't stated on it, so not eligible for VAT claim. Even when using your Business account with the App Stores.


  • #8
    srsly78
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,157 ✭✭✭srsly78


    Same company, same VAT number? It's their fault for not issuing the receipt not yours. All the taxman needs to know is the VAT number and amount right? Apple are in the wrong here, not the consumer.

    Did you try ringing that phone number? Surely would be good place to start.


  • #9
    lukejr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 265 ✭✭lukejr


    I called Apple last week, the lady wasn't too sure about getting a VAT receipt, but she took my details and order number and passed it onto someone more senior, and said they would be in touch. 24 hours later I got a VAT receipt via email, perfect.

    Also the customer phone at Apple was answered within 30 seconds I'd say, very very short hold time. Great customer service. They really have scaled the business beautifully.

    I did email Apple regarding this and didn't hear anything back from them, yet, so if you are a business call them to get the VAT receipt from the App Store.


  • #10
    lukejr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 265 ✭✭lukejr


    Apple issued a VAT invoice from Luxembourg. So it's useless in Ireland as I cannot claim that against my VAT returns.

    I would have to go through the Luxembourg tax office, similar issues with Skype invoices.

    I have gotten back onto Apple to see if they can refund the VAT difference. Their initial response completely missed the point, lets hope the followup works.


  • #11
    lukejr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 265 ✭✭lukejr


    Reply from Apple:

    "[Apple App Store] sells only to customers as end-users for personal, noncommercial use in their respective countries of residence"

    Not sure how this will work when the "Pro" applications and OS X Lion are available only via the Mac App Store later this summer.


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  • #12
    maxer68
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,076 ✭✭✭maxer68


    lukejr wrote: »
    Apple issued a VAT invoice from Luxembourg. So it's useless in Ireland as I cannot claim that against my VAT returns.

    I would have to go through the Luxembourg tax office, similar issues with Skype invoices.

    I have gotten back onto Apple to see if they can refund the VAT difference. Their initial response completely missed the point, lets hope the followup works.

    They may issue it from Luxembourg, but it probably has an Irish Vat number on it. Once companies exceed the distant selling treshold for a particular country, they must apply for a vat number and apply the vat rate for that country.

    That's why there's no taxation issue with buying online from companies in other euro countries - VAT still goes into Ireland's coffers for items delivered here.


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