VAT relief is available in the UK for medical reasons on some goods, and for goods being sent to non EC countries.
5a. Relief due to health reasons.
We promise that our prices are the best you can get, but there may be a way to
save even more! There is a little known VAT office concession which allows most
Back in Action customers to buy certain products without paying the VAT element.
If you (or someone who will be using one of these specific products) are suffering
from a chronic/long term condition you should fully explore if this concession
applies.
To make it clear: the 20% VAT saving is in addition to the low prices shown
on the Back in Action web site unless it says otherwise.
To make sure you don't miss out on this concession here is a brief summary:
- To claim the VAT concession both you and the product you are buying from us
must qualify.
- To decide if your condition allows the concession simply
call us. We will talk you through the criteria.
- If we agree that your condition justifies VAT relief Back in Action will deduct
VAT on the following products.
Back in Action Mattress
All mattresses when purchased with an adjustable base
Riser chairs
The Mobiliser.
MBT shoes
Mammoth Mattress
- You will be sent a BACK IN ACTOIN VAT EXEMPTION FORM with your order confirmation,
on which you will simply say your condition, sign it, and then post or fax back
to us. We sign it, and keep it on file with your order paperwork. If you do not
return the form inside 14 days then (of course) we will have to charge you the
VAT.
- VAT registered companies such as Back in Action have their VAT figures checked
on average every three years. During this the VAT office will select a few forms
and check that everything is correct from your side and ours.
To summarise: As a health orientated centre we are in a unique position to help you claim what
is rightfully available. If your condition and the product you are buying qualifies
then we will not charge VAT. We provide you with a simple form, and if this is
correctly filled in we confirm that we will not charge the VAT. You don't need
to provide us with any proof, but you may need to do so to the VAT office if they
select your sale as a random check. The majority of Back in Action customers find
they are eligible for this relief.
5b. VAT Relief due to country of destination
There are concessions which allow us to remove VAT for items that are being taken outside the European Community by non EC residents.
We will be delighted to sell items without charging VAT, but the obligation for meeting the necessary conditions is the customer's, and the following simple guide will help you decide if VAT must be paid or not.
Overseas VAT guide:
a. Where, and how, are you planning to purchase?
UK VAT laws are different when you purchase in person/in store than if you purchase remotely.
Purchase in store:
If you purchase in store then you will pay VAT at first, and reclaim the VAT later. You reclaim it by completing and signing a form 407, we add details of the purchase. As you leave the country (3 months max) you show this form and the goods to UK customs. The form is endorsed by UK customs and you post it back to us. ON RECEIPT WE REFUND THE VAT, in full, less an amount to cover our administration costs. Our charge will be £15, plus any charges for bank transfers if appropriate.
In general this means that reclaiming VAT is worthwhile for in store purchases over £150 only.
Purchase remotely:
When you purchase remotely we can grant VAT relief but, UK law prohibits doing this via form 407. Instead, we can remove VAT if we, or you, are shipping the goods directly outside the EC. We can also remove VAT, if you or we, arrange shipping to an address outside the EC via a recognised agent/carrier. If we are handing over goods to a freight agent/carrier we may ask for the VAT to be held on account until we get proof of export, and this may delay VAT relief being finalised for a few weeks if they are slow ... but it always happens in due course.
b. Are you a non EC resident?
Because the above only apply to non EC residents it is a requirement of UK VAT office that we see ID such as a passport. This should be with you when purchasing in store, and we may ask for it and /or a utility bill to be faxed to us if you are purchasing remotely.
c. Refunds and returns: please see our separate policy statement.