VAT relief - not quite a relief.

[hellebore]

Ok everyone here's a practical post. I have vowed to try and get something done about this dreadful scheme. VAT relief for those that don't know is the taking off the 20% tax paid on goods and services for the disabled. It is good to have when at the disabled shop you need pads or special cutlery etc. But, I am building a downstairs bed/ bath for F. The HMRC rules are vague and whilst I don't pay VAT on the sanitary ware, tiles, hoist etc I have to pay VAT on the walls and roof. And so on.Ridiculous rules.

What really upsets me is retailers wanting a full explanation why I should have the discount and the medical reasons. I walked out of a tile shop because it was all too much trouble for them.

I can't claim anything back from HMRC and have to do it at the time just when everything is so difficult. Trying to get the discount online is impossible.This has to change.

I know you have all glazed over by now but maybe this little crusade just keeps my CBD brain from taking over completely. Anyone else with experiences?

[gypsywoman1947]

Had same experience when installing complete new bathroom, down loaded exemption forms and printed for the retailer but it was too much hassle for them as they didn't know how to go about it for their book work. Rang vat place up and it's not off things that are not necessitated for the disability !! Eg toilet cause it's not a sole disability use , nor the basin, shower screen was cause it's splits like stable door to facilitate carer helping, floor although non slip was not exempt. It's a minefield and that's why companies do not want to get involved. I gave up in the end., too much of a headache with everything else we carers contend with. Sorry not any help to you, but if you choose a company that is one of the well known ones for disability work you may get luckier. Best wishes x

[hellebore in reply to gypsywoman1947]

Thanks Gypsywoman1947 it is helpful. I am determined to do something about this so every experience helps. The bad news I have a useless MP. I am sure that when this scheme was devised it was genuinely well meant but it has become a beurocracy nightmare. I demeans what little dignity we have and in a perverse way I believe , discriminates.

[Heady]

Hi, I know exactly what you mean. I use to be the other side, we installed bathrooms. When I once telephoned the VAT office for clarification, I was told, if an abled body person could use the any of the facilities, then that part was not VAT free! When I explained, that abled body people can use anything, because they are able! She didn't want to know. Rightly or wrongly, we always used the premise, that if someone was converting their bathroom, because it was needed for a disabled person, then it was VAT free! Hope you come across a same like minded company to do your bathroom.

Lots of love

Heady

[hellebore in reply to Heady]

Thanks Heady. That is helpful. I have realised that it's difficult for the retailers too. It is a total mess. Accountants are flummoxed as well.

[vlh4444]

We have had this trouble too. Most of the retailers we dealt with when installing our wet room didn't know how to process the exemption. The manager at our local Wickes was very good though and contacted their head office to find out about how to process it. We had to pay the ordinary price up front and then have it refunded. Topps Tiles also said we could that. There were lots of forms to fill in. We also replaced the bedroom and small hallway flooring with laminate to make it easier for the wheelchair and commode but apparently this was not VAT exempt - don't know why. All this had to be administered by me and we wouldn't have got anything if I hadn't pursued it doggedly (like everything else!) and it is exhausting and time consuming.

It would be much better if people diagnosed with a condition such as PSP could be given a certificate or registration number or something by GP or OT which could then just be shown to retailers, builders etc. and from which they could access all details. This could also be used for blue badge, social services, wheelchair service, optician, care agency and anyone else that needs to know in order to access their services instead of having to have endless assessments, forms to fill etc.

I still often wonder what happens to the people who don't have a wife, husband or other family to do the fighting on their behalf. I do hope you get somewhere with your campaign Hellebore. The present system is ridiculous.

Vicki

[Heady in reply to vlh4444]

First you would have to get the doctor to recognise that there was an illness! Know for a fact that mine wouldn't issue any form, not sure he is even aware that S's condition is serious. The fact that he is wheelchair bound, can't talk etc., etc., etc., is beside the point!!!

Totally agree with you though, it should be automatic!

Lots of love

Heady

[formercarer]

Hiya,

Yes, we had the garage converted to a downstairs bedroom with wet room attached. It cost more than £20K and I was sure it should have been VAT exempt. I was too busy to fight it though so we didn't get the exemption.

Good luck with your battle. Thanks for taking it on!

[D0ttieL0ttie]

Currently having a disabled wet room installed and ramps to get in and out of Bungalow in a wheelchair. Initially I looked at UK companies; Bathing Solutions and Aquability to install as they specifically deal with disability and offer all goods as VAT exempt. DO NOT GO NEAR THESE COMPANIES!! They charge inflated prices and readinbg their feedback pages reveals how bad they are, I have now had a company re designing my bathroom, they have done an amazing job and have taken off the necessary VAT by speaking to their accountant. I did the same with the guy putting ramps in. You just have to be clear from the start. Good Luck

[D0ttieL0ttie in reply to D0ttieL0ttie]

Also to be clear, you cannot claim VAT back it has to be done by the installer!

[vlh4444 in reply to D0ttieL0ttie]

I think that is the case in respect of the installation, building work etc. but you CAN claim the VAT back if you yourself purchase items such as basins, showers etc. from a retailer who prices them with VAT included. If your installer purchases the items then he has to claim the relief. How confusing it all is! No wonder lots of people don't bother to claim!

[Heady in reply to D0ttieL0ttie]

I think any company that "specialises" in something, adds three arms and a leg to the price. You are far better dealing with a local firm, that you can talk to about the problems, any worth their salt, will do you a good job!!!

Lots of love

Heady

[Katiebow]

I am confused by what and how to get VAT exemption, just having the path and patio altered to make it safe for Ben but was advised by the VAT office that only exemption is for path widening but I don't need that doing. The next project will be creating wetroom downstairs which involves using part of the garage so building work essential. Crazy it's only on sanitary ware, I have a lot of learning to do! The builder I use has no idea what I'm talking about but want to use him as he is very good and doesn't charge the earth. If anyone has any advise please let me know as will hopefully save a bit of money on these necessary alterations.

[Heady in reply to Katiebow]

Personally, I would much rather get a good job done, that is suitable for S, doesn't look like a hospital and won't be a hinderance when it comes to selling the house. If that costs, so be it, I will just take it out of the kids inheritance!!!

Lots of love

Heady

[hellebore]

This is great everyone. I will store all the different experiences and form a strategy. Fighting talk, just hope I can maintain it when F comes home.

Did you all know about domestic council tax reduction?. If a wheelchair is needed IN THE HOME you can apply. It is a drop to the next band down. Contact local rates office.