VAT payment for goods returned to Europe.

[buzyg]

Hopefully one of our budding entrepreneurs can help me out on this.

I ordered a pair of walking boots from the EU. Stupidly did not read the small print.

The boots arrived. did not fit and are on there way back to the supplier.

Just received and invoice for the UK VAT and a service charge.

Happy to pay the service charge. Do I need to also pay the VAT?

If I pay the VAT, how do I then claim it back? I took a quick browse online and was buried over my head in about 5 minutes, from jumping around the government websites.

Thanks in advance.

[Nanu]

I would just ring HMRC and ask them.

They will most likely have a form or three to fill in.

[pvr]

You filled in the wrong return form but that is too late now. Returned goods don’t attract VAT.

However, even if you do everything right they still sometimes screw it up terribly. Sending abroad on a weekly base is now a major pain

[buzyg]

You filled in the wrong return form but that is too late now. Returned goods don’t attract VAT.

However, even if you do everything right they still sometimes screw it up terribly. Sending abroad on a weekly base is now a major pain

I have not filled in any returns forms yet. Other than to tell the supplier. I replied to the invoice for payment of VAT simply. "Items returned to sender." Not sure what may happen next. was hoping you may have done this in the past and could advise on what comes next.

[pvr]

Who is the shipping company? With UPS for example they hold the goods until they have received payment.

[buzyg]

The e-mail and invoice are from, Customs Clearance Ltd. If I don't hear back in a few days I will call them to discuss. If I pay the invoice, then I will need to claim back the VAT. That is the bit that I have not been able to fathom. How do I claim it back, once paid, after the goods have been returned.

[DevonPaul]

I would just ring HMRC and ask them.

Ring HMRC?????


I've tried twice this year, after several failed attempts I finally fought through their automated menu system to get into a queue to speak to someone, and then got cut off after an hour both times.

[pvr]

As a business it is easier as I just deduct it from my vat return. I have not done this as an individual though

[MikeyH]

I would just ring HMRC and ask them.

Ring HMRC?????


I've tried twice this year, after several failed attempts I finally fought through their automated menu system to get into a queue to speak to someone, and then got cut off after an hour both times.

Yes me also, 2 hours, then found out that our all inclusive phone calls get charged for after 1 hour.

[1doohan]

Not a helpful reply but an insight into buying abroad since exit. Bought some £220 boots from Germany sent via DHL expecting to pay 20% vat on delivery. Parcelforce held them, sent me a letter for £90 for vat + customs and £12 handling fee. Add 45% to your purchase price.

[pvr]

Yep, first customs and then vat on top. Tax on tax

[buzyg]

My boots have been returned to Spain. Thus far it's only cost me the £26 postage. I phoned the customs clearing centre and gave them the return details. Not heard any more since.