Demolition & Self-build in East Cambs

[Russell griffiths]

1 hour ago, srowe said:

I wasn't aware that it was actually possible to skip paying the VAT in the first place, thanks for the heads up.

Only if you use a contractor to supply and fit the materials, they then invoice you with zero rated vat. 

[LnP]

12 hours ago, LnP said:

The official answer, "All trees with a stem/trunk diameter of 75mm (approximately 3 inches) or more at a height of 1.5m from the ground are protected in a Conservation Area." So no you don't.

I was assuming that a laurel would be smaller than this, but that could be an incorrect assumption. Apologies for any confusion. If it does meet these criteria, the next question would be whether a laurel is a tree or rather a bush or a shrub. Maybe speak to your LA arboriculturalist.

[saveasteading]

5 hours ago, Russell griffiths said:

contractor to supply and fit the materials, they then invoice you with zero rated vat. 

If Only.

They invoice at 5% VAT but you can reclaim it at the end of the job, so must keep very detailed records.

Materials you an buy yourself, pay 20% and also reclaim.

Equipment used for construction, you can't claim back

 

Be sure that your work complies with the requirements. Renovation does not and is all 20%.

New build or conversion does, as above.

And you still have to allow for the cashflow, as it will be out of your hands a long time.

[Russell griffiths]

52 minutes ago, saveasteading said:

If Only.

They invoice at 5% VAT but you can reclaim it at the end of the job, so must keep very detailed records.

Materials you an buy yourself, pay 20% and also reclaim.

Equipment used for construction, you can't claim back

 

Be sure that your work complies with the requirements. Renovation does not and is all 20%.

New build or conversion does, as above.

And you still have to allow for the cashflow, as it will be out of your hands a long time.

You need to brush up on this, zero rated for a new build, invoiced at zero by contractor, not 5% unless you are getting mixed up with a conversion not new build. 

[saveasteading]

1 hour ago, Russell griffiths said:

You need to brush up on this,

Sorry, you're right of course, I'm mixing up who's project we are looking at, re zero or 5% then explaining badly.

 

This is right though isn't it.  

The 20% tax back on materials bought direct does apply but it can be quite a cash investment, IF it saves money at the time, then waiting a long time for it back.

Saving will depend on the builder's account levels, and on how they value risk or margin on materials.

 

I had one job where the contractor was taking some of our plasterboard every night...that's another matter though.

[Nickfromwales]

1 hour ago, saveasteading said:

Saving will depend on the builder's account levels, and on how they value risk or margin on materials.

 

Hasn't reverse VAT now worked its way all the way back to the supply chain, even at the merchants? If not then that's just stupid, aka 'normal'.....

 

If the builder / contractor verifies you as zero rated, then they should have a passport for the project which entitles them to zero VAT, even at the base of the pyramid. Since 2019 I have paid VAT out on everything and just waited the 90 days to get it back, it's no real ball ache tbh, and my average return was £7k, but most times I was ahead with billing as I trust the public as far as I can throw them.

 

I guess the government will likely just keep charging VAT at the merchants et-al as there are just too many non VAT registered firms out there.