VAT Exempt Information

Claiming VAT Relief

We are currently updating the website to deduct the VAT automatically at the checkout stage. However, until this is operational (end of March 2010), we will manually refund the VAT to your credit/ debit card or paypal account within 24 hours of receiving your order and the VAT Exempt Declaration form.

 

At the same time as the money is refunded we will email you advising you how much VAT you have saved.

 

If you have any queries about the process, please call us to discuss.

Qualifying Products

Only products on our website that are specifically adapted to aid disability or for the chronically sick are eligible for VAT relief. These products are shown with prices including and excluding VAT e.g. Magnetic Nehru Blouse.

 

These products are only available at zero-rate VAT when purchased directly by an individual for their 'domestic or personal use'. In order for us to meet "yours and our" obligations to Customs & Excise, and in order to avoid paying VAT on certain items, you will be required to sign a simple declaration form at the checkout that confirms that you are eligible to receive goods which are zero-rated.

 

Please note we are only able to exempt VAT from the actual goods, all delivery charges will attract VAT as normal.

 

Your final shopping cart price will include VAT for all items that are not eligible for relief.

Who is eligible?

The zero-rating of goods and services for a disabled person depends in part upon the status of the recipient.

 

In order to qualify for zero-rating, the eligible person must be 'chronically sick or disabled. The items must not be purchased for the general use of other able bodied persons. Items for use in an institution, or re- are not eligible for zero-rating.

 

Chronically sick means that you have an illness that is likely to last a long time e.g. arthritis, diabetes, and angina.

Disabled means substantially and permanently handicapped by illness or injury.

 

You do not have to be registered disabled to claim relief from VAT, but the nature of your illness or disablement must be specified in your declaration.

 

A frail elderly person who is otherwise able-bodied or any person who is only temporarily disabled or incapacitated, such as with a broken limb does not qualify for VAT relief.

 

If you are in doubt you should call your local Customs office or call the National Advice Service on 0845 302 02 03.

How do I claim?

To claim VAT relief, you must complete a self-declaration form. Please complete this online vat declaration form (another link /reminder is on out cart page).

 

To download and then print a copy of the VAT self-declaration form please click here (PDF file size 65kb).

 

If you do wish to claim you will need to state the illness or medical condition you are suffering from and tick to confirm that you wish to claim exemption and that the information you have provided is correct. The completed form will be available for you to print for your records.

 

We are required to retain a copy of your declaration and it may be passed to HM Customs & Excise as evidence of your eligibility. If you are in any doubt whether you qualify for VAT relief, click here here to email our customer services or call us on 0845 643 9492.

 

Alternatively, you may want to look for more information on the 'direct.gov.uk' website VAT relief on products and services for disabled people which provides further information.

 

If you would like to place your order by telephone and intend to claim VAT relief, we will only be able to dispatch your order once we have received a signed declaration.

 

If you have our catalogue the declaration form is enclosed. If you don’t have a catalogue, we will post you a form to complete. If you would like to request a copy of our catalogue, please click here.

 

We will process your order at the retail price quoted on your order less the VAT element.

Completing your declaration.

You must be sure of your eligibility for VAT relief before completing the declaration. You can order on behalf of another person and complete the form accordingly.

 

You must be sure of your eligibility for VAT relief before completing the declaration. Section 39.2 of the VAT Act 1983 provides for severe penalties for anyone who makes use of a document which they know to be false for the purposes of obtaining VAT relief.

 

Important Information

• The goods ordered must be for personal or domestic use only.
• The VAT relief does not apply to the posting and packaging charges.
• We retain the completed form for presentation to the VAT office. It will not be used for any other purpose.