Reclaiming UK VAT???

Bufferington


Joined: 09/09/2010
Posts: 119

Message Posted:
22/09/2011 18:21

If we have TRNC residency and are not resident in the UK, can we reclaim VAT on expenditure when passing through a UK airport/port on the way back here??

If so, what bumf is required:

Bill of Sale with TRNC address??

Residency stamp in passport??

Kojan or renting contract>>

anything else????

CarrieRBag



Joined: 23/12/2008
Posts: 1374

Message Posted:
22/09/2011 18:48

All I can tell you is that I am non-resident in UK for tax purposes and I bought a camera and claimed back the VAT by getting the company from whom I bought the camera to fill out the form (VAT form which they had) and then I handed that in, along with the receipt to the customs at B'ham airport. It took 9 months for me to get the VAT (all excuses under the sun) but I eventually got it. Hope this helps?

tonykyte


Joined: 19/04/2008
Posts: 270

Message Posted:
22/09/2011 18:54

We have done this at Stansted and Birmingham, you get a Tax Free shopping VAT receipt from the shops you purchase from (as long as tthey offer the scheme ) We spent money say at M&S and at the end of the week went back to them and jusy got 1 Tax receipt (min spend was around £60/£70 to be able to claim monies back) They will also give you a Customs & Excise form. You don't get all the VAT back as the store make an admin charge, possible of the 20% Vat you get 12% back, so £100 spent you get about £12. Some airports you just put into VAT box once you go through into departure section after checks. Larger airports have facility to pay you back there and then e.g Heathrow

Best of luck

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
22/09/2011 19:13

This scheme mentioned in Msg 2 & 3 is the retail export scheme not all shops take part in it. NB The customs have the right to inspect the goods you are taking out of the UK (in your baggage) to make sure that you are not committing a fraudulent act.

If you buy on line or through a more commercial route you might not get the VAT back on personal exports and it is at the companies discretion if they will not charge VAT but they will need proof of export from a professional shipper not just your proof of departure.

Biggles


Joined: 14/06/2009
Posts: 165

Message Posted:
22/09/2011 20:44

If you are flying out via Turkey to the TRNC ,there is no problem at all. You state that your final destination is the TRNC. Get the forms stamped at the UK airport and hopefully the refund (or arrangements to pay into your bank account or credit card account). When you make your purchases, tell the vendor that you live offshore and are not a UK resident. Have your passport with you. You will have to declare this on the form they will provide.



Do not try it via the south side, the GC's go ballistic!! The TRNC according the Customs man who stands by his post on the south side border all day/night, does not exist, it is 'occupied territory'. He will not stamp your form, even though your are leaving the EU. If it does not exist, just what exactly is he doing there?

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
22/09/2011 23:39

Carol Msg 5 - The VAT refund is a retail scheme not all "vendors" are involved in it and the scheme only applies to only shops who are operating the VAT Retail Export Scheme. It is complex.

For chapter and verse please look at - http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageVAT_ShowContent&id=HMCE_CL_000141&propertyType=document

Panchocat


Joined: 29/11/2009
Posts: 1333

Message Posted:
23/09/2011 10:46

M&S charged £10 for the form two years ago. Not sure what they charge now.

Tango1


Joined: 19/02/2011
Posts: 1151

Message Posted:
23/09/2011 11:00

I understand John Lewis and House of Frazer are part of the scheme. Some friends of mine earlier this year ended up receiving over £100 back in VAT. Bought things like laptops etc. (I think PC world are part of the scheme as well)

rocking


Joined: 05/11/2008
Posts: 421

Message Posted:
23/09/2011 18:03

After having all the relevant forms etc., for a camera I purchased in UK (then packed in suitcase which went through to plane) they told me at customs I had to produce the item to get the VAT cash or post forms which I did and never heard from them again that was about 3 years ago. Never bothered since.

Bufferington


Joined: 09/09/2010
Posts: 119

Message Posted:
23/09/2011 18:04

Thank you for your useful comments.

It seemed to me that the prices at Dixons, Heathrow for a laptop for instance were more than High street less VAT - but I will do my sums again during my next visit.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
23/09/2011 19:26

Rita Msg 9 - Sorry to hear of it - thanks for supporting my point in msg 4 "The customs have the right to inspect the goods you are taking out of the UK"