VAT Reclaim journey

[miike]

17 hours ago, Caroline said:

They took 11 weeks to process mine, I received less than a third of what I had claimed.  Called them and they were quoting internal processes to me that meant nothing.  Told I will need to appeal.  Even said the small local business that supplied and fitted my LVT flooring should have zero rated the bill.  They said I should have explained it is a new build and the bill should be zero rated.  I reminded them this small business has paid the VAT to them but they say I have to get in touch with the business and make them adjust their VAT.  Also they have knocked back some windows/door/roofing and external paving (amongst other things).  This is my second newbuild and it was easier and quicker before.  Last time I had to send all receipts with their spreadsheet.  This time, spreadsheet only, 6 weeks for them to then ask for approx 12 receipts and they have knocked back £10k of the £15k of VAT I expected back.  Hopeless.

 

Bit about the business zero rating the bill is correct. If the invoice was supply + fit, then it should be zero rated at purchase. If supply only, then you pay VAT then reclaim. You should be able to get it back from them with an explanation though, they won't be out any money. 

Not sure why you'd have issues with windows/door/roofing, that seems exactly what you should be able to reclaim for. 

[Redbeard]

18 hours ago, Caroline said:

I received less than a third of what I had claimed.  Called them and they were quoting internal processes to me that meant nothing.  Told I will need to appeal. 

 

Since it seems they were trying to blind you with (whatever they were trying to blind you with!) I wonder if it would be worth getting a 3rd party involved. I cannot remember who they are, but I think some 'on here' have used a 'VAT Reclaim-Chaser'. Someone will know.

 

I am not in any way doubting your ability to make a claim, but I know (not with VAT, but other stuff) what it is like when one party (which is not me) holds all the cards, and effectively only has to say 'no' and I am powerless. Having someone who has dealt with dozens of claims might get you a 'but hang-on; HMRC said the exact opposite in this claim, and that one....' re-balancing of power.

 

Good luck, whatever.

[garrymartin]

37 minutes ago, Redbeard said:

a 'VAT Reclaim-Chaser'.

Andrew Jones AKA - The VATman

[Redbeard]

37 minutes ago, garrymartin said:

Andrew Jones AKA - The VATman

That'll be the one! (Though there may also be others). Thanks for that.

[saveasteading]

44 minutes ago, Redbeard said:

there may also be others

There is another that goes to self build exhibitions.

It's worth phoning one or both. They will know the rules and wrinkles, if you can do this in retrospect ( I thought you couldn't)  and how to present it. Ask how they charge for this too.

 

Good luck and please report back. Lots have this issue.

Edited September 9 by saveasteading

[Benpointer]

On 08/09/2026 at 17:27, Caroline said:

They took 11 weeks to process mine, I received less than a third of what I had claimed.  Called them and they were quoting internal processes to me that meant nothing.  Told I will need to appeal.  Even said the small local business that supplied and fitted my LVT flooring should have zero rated the bill.  They said I should have explained it is a new build and the bill should be zero rated.  I reminded them this small business has paid the VAT to them but they say I have to get in touch with the business and make them adjust their VAT.  Also they have knocked back some windows/door/roofing and external paving (amongst other things).  This is my second newbuild and it was easier and quicker before.  Last time I had to send all receipts with their spreadsheet.  This time, spreadsheet only, 6 weeks for them to then ask for approx 12 receipts and they have knocked back £10k of the £15k of VAT I expected back.  Hopeless.

 

I sympathise with your experience and await my results with some trepidation.  

 

But on the specific example of the local business who fitted your flooring, the rules are pretty clear: supply and fit must be zero rated; supply only - you have to pay VAT and claim it back.  

 

Rejecting £10k of a £15k claim seems odd though.  What reasons did they give for rejecting?

[Caroline]

Hi all

 

Thank you for your comments.  I have spoken to Andrew, the VATMan, he is really helpful.

Some of the errors were purely where some of the invoices had my name on as delivery address but not on the "Invoice to" part of the invoice.

They have knocked back the vented induction hob, I know some people on here say they have allowed theirs.  It includes a vent so I think there should be some part of the VAT to be reclaimed, but hey ho.

With the Ikea PAX wardrobes, its really annoying.  The are fitted, I have taken a photo, but hear that you have to be able to see the wall behind?  and they should have only one shelf and a rail (god knows what difference that makes).  I have taken another photo of the said one shelf and one rail and will re submit, its only £300 being claimed but I think it is principle here, particularly when they say you can claim as long as they are fitted and you provide photographic evidence, which I did!

Kind regards to you all.

[Big Jimbo]

With Robes, you were allowed a single shelf, and a single rail. Its been a while, Like 10 years since i did robes into new builds. I did a few hundred meters over the years, and at One point got caught, and had to give £27k to the VAT man.

I can't remember if backs were allowed. Best of luck

[garrymartin]

6 hours ago, Caroline said:

The are fitted, I have taken a photo, but hear that you have to be able to see the wall behind?

 

The rules are very clear and well articulated. IKEA PAX wardrobes are most definitely furniture rather than building materials.

 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-refunds-for-new-builds-if-youre-a-diy-housebuilder

"You can also claim for basic wardrobes installed on their own with all the following characteristics.

 

1. The wardrobe encloses a space bordered by the walls, ceiling and floor. Units, for example, whose design includes an element to bridge over a bed or create a dressing table are furniture and cannot be claimed.

2. The side and back use 3 walls of the room (such as across the end of a wall), or 2 walls and a stub wall. A wardrobe installed in the corner of a room where one side is a closing end panel is furniture and cannot be claimed.

3. On opening the wardrobe, you should see the walls of the building. These would normally be either bare plaster or painted plaster. Wardrobes with internal panelling, typically as part of a modular or carcass system, are furniture and cannot be claimed.

4. The wardrobe should have no more than a single shelf running the full length of the wardrobe, a rail for hanging clothes and a closing door or doors. Wardrobes with internal divisions, drawers, shoe racks or other features are furniture and cannot be claimed."