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 2 hours ago by saveasteading