Vasculitis / Vat.

[jackrussell]

I am about to have a downstairs toilet and shower / wet room extension built, as at times when not feeling to good , I find having to go upstairs a trial , I do already have a toilet and shower upstairs, and wasn’t aware until I saw a question on last weeks “ Questions “ that as I have Vasculitis ,( Although in remission ) that I could claim Vat exemption on toilet / shower fittings ,I would like to clarify is this just for the fittings or would it include the building ,and as I already have these facility’s would I qualify , or just what is covered, I haven’t mentioned this to my builder ,as I wasn’t aware, and would not like to embarrass either him or me , so would appreciate any advice

Thankyou.

[Nadine99]

We have a lot of experience in this. You can get exemption on fittings and the labour. If the supplier knows about this they would supply you with a form or you can download from the government vat site

[jackrussell in reply to Nadine99]

Thank you Nadine 99 ,Very helpful

[gilders]

You should be able to apply for council tax reduction. For my area, they move you down one band. Not a great saving, but every little helps.

[Nadine99 in reply to gilders]

I believe it depends what benefits you're on but the VAT issue doesn't

[gilders in reply to Nadine99]

I don't get any other council tax reduction as I'm not on any benefits that would help with eligibility to council tax reduction, but do qualify to a band reduction due to having a second full bathroom downstairs.

The reduction is for disabled people who have a property larger than they would otherwise need if they were able bodied. This could be things like a downstairs room being converted into a bathroom, or bedroom as the disabled person cannot safely get up and down stairs.

[Mooka]

gov.uk/guidance/reliefs-fro...

This is a link to the rule you are thinking of. If you are in any doubt you can call the vat office and ask but that will go on record that you have made that call. Your builder may well not be aware of this rule but you shouldn’t be embarrassed about asking him about it. It would be up to him to research it. From his point of view all he’s doing in zero eating your invoice and signing to say he believes the information you have given him is correct. Good luck let us know how you get on.

[jackrussell in reply to Mooka]

Thankyou Mooka , the information on the HMRC site you gave was very informative , Vat relief appears not to be a problem ,it’s the knowing that counts 🤗

[Mooka]

Yes absolutely. I worked for a

Paving company for years and claimed this on a regular basis. We often won the work in the basis that others pricing were not aware of this. I think you will find the form you need to fill in on the website but the builder maybe able to supply you with a simplified version.

[AndrewT]

Dear jackrussell,

You might be able to Secure a 'Grant', for some, of the work. Yes you have 'Facilities' Up Stairs...with 'UP' being the Major Point. You have Vasculitis it 'Effects' your Mobility EVERY day, after all, (stay with me here). Getting UP, those Stairs, I don't know how you do 'It'!

As regards VAT, certainly on Items purchased in a Shop- or On Line- it is 'Zero Rated'. As regards, the Fitting, I Honestly Don't Know. (However IF you could Secure a Grant, to 'Cover'- at least- some of this.....) I, absolutely Know, that you don't like Playing the 'Dis-Abled Card' but sometimes you Have to....This IS one of them!

I WOULDN'T be Embarrassed about asking the Builder about Grants, their knowledge in these matters, is often extremely good. Certainly, the Builder I/We used, when putting the Extension- onto my Mother's then Bungalow- clearly knew what was possible. You ARE, after all, going to be 'Using' this Builder to carry out, the Work(s), for you- aren't you? Incidentally, can I ask, 'Why' you feel Embarrassed about asking the Builder? Won't he/ they see the Plans anyway? (Maybe including, a Spray Jet,- to Help 'ease' Shoulder Pain- or a Nozzle- for 'Special' use.) In any case, I'll lay You ANY Odds, 'They' have Seen/ Installed/ Dealt With far WORSE- than your few 'Bits'!

Please Do let us know, how you Get On Jack, I hope all Goes Well for you.

Warmest Wishes

AndrewT