Quote:
Originally Posted by penman
hi
Is there not, in the UK, a method/system of buying for export, which precludes payment of VAT at source?
I seem to remember seeing notices about some such system in the Royal Doulton factory shop at some time.
http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsP...HMCE_CL_000141 |
We're going a bit off topic here but, the VAT Retail Export Scheme is for non EU residents who have purchased goods in the UK and have paid VAT. You ask them for a VAT refund form which states what you have bought, specifying the price and VAT component. The form is authenticated by them and supplied with a stamped address or post paid envelope. You must then get the form stamped by customs when you leave the country and post it in a special post box at the airport after passport control. The refund is often processed by a third party who charge an exorbitant fee for doing so. Some large stores such as Harrods, Selfridges and M&S, process their own refunds, the former two charging a
really exorbitant fee for doing so. Not all retailers participate in the VAT Retail Export Scheme.
The other way to get goods VAT free is to have the seller export them directly to you (at your non EU residence), in which case they simply do not charge you VAT but they do charge P&P and you might be up for import duty in your home country.
It is my understanding that they cannot legally sell goods to you in person in the UK without charging you VAT, even if you reside outside the EU and say you are going to export it.
That said, I have more than once persuaded a certain vendor of car parts to do this for me, so it's not impossible, but they do know me and at least on one occasion I had the family and luggage in the car was on the way to Heathrow!