[Chaos]

If I buy things for work is there any way to claim back VAT? I can't find anything about it anywhere.

Are you self employed, own your own business or do you work for a company?

If you work for someone, normally you claim back the full amount and they claim the Vat using the receipts you have to provide.

If you work for yourself you need to be Vat registered and complete a return every quarter in most cases. You tell them what Vat you paid and what you receved, pay them any excess if you paid less out in Vat than you charged. Otherwise they send you a refund.

You should be able to find loads at: www.hmrc.gov.uk
www.hmrc.gov.uk

[Chaos]

I work for a company but I will be the one paying for the items.

[Moosh]

As you work for a company then the first part of what Bluehorse says applies. You will claim the cost of the item back from the company and the company, if they are VAT registered, will claim the VAT back.

Cheers
Moosh

[Chaos]

Are you saying my work have to pay for this? There is no reason they should in my opinion.

[Mr Incredible]

Ah, I think I see what you mean. You're buying something for yourself which you use for work?

If so, and it can be proved that the item is a necessary part of your job but your company is not prepared to buy it for you, then I believe you can claim against your tax code (income not VAT), so you get tax relief on the amount you pay. You will need a letter from your employer stating this is the situation.

You can also get tax relief, I think, on membership fees to professional bodies in line with your work.

Is that what you meant?

[Chaos]

Originally Posted by Mr Incredible

Ah, I think I see what you mean. You're buying something for yourself which you use for work?

If so, and it can be proved that the item is a necessary part of your job but your company is not prepared to buy it for you, then I believe you can claim against your tax code (income not VAT), so you get tax relief on the amount you pay. You will need a letter from your employer stating this is the situation.

You can also get tax relief, I think, on membership fees to professional bodies in line with your work.

Is that what you meant?

Yeah this is exactly what I mean. Any idea if I can get a form from somewhere?

[Mr Incredible]

I think you can only claim it back after the end of the taxc year when you complete a self assesment tax return. IIRC there is a section in the form for this type of "expenditure", but not sure if this relates only to self employed.

In any instance it is not the VAT you will be getting back. You will be looking for a tax allowance against your taxable income.

Check with your local tax office as they can best advise.

[lynx]

Originally Posted by Boratx

Are you saying my work have to pay for this? There is no reason they should in my opinion.

If it's related to health or safety the employer must pay for it and not pass the cost on the the employee.

[Mr Incredible]

Originally Posted by lynx

If it's related to health or safety the employer must pay for it and not pass the cost on the the employee.

And if it's not for health and safety then anything you "need" for work is personal choice and probably not liable for relief.

[mason]

Originally Posted by Boratx

Yeah this is exactly what I mean. Any idea if I can get a form from somewhere?

yeah there is no way around the VAT- you cant claim it back but you can claim the purchase (if necassary for your job role) against your tax code.

phone up Inland Revenue and advise them what you are buying and they should (and i say should in capital letters!!!) sort this for you over the phone and sent you out a form that will enable you to claim this way.

[mason]

Originally Posted by Mr Incredible

And if it's not for health and safety then anything you "need" for work is personal choice and probably not liable for relief.

bang on the money.

if its simply a 'it would make my job easier' items and not necessary then you wont be able to claim any kind of releif.