Claiming back VAT on clothing bought outside UK but returned

[xreyuk]

Hi,

I bought some shoes online from the US which I had to pay £14.95 VAT charge on, and an £8 handling fee. I know I'm not going to get the handling fee back, but I'm returning the shoes and wondered if there was any way I can claim back the VAT I paid?

The only thing I can find on the net is a form for small businesses and didn't know if I needed a different form.

Thanks.

[anonymous-user]

Seriously? £15?

Think of it as a voluntary contribution in the austerity drive.

[davepoth]

You can do it, but you really won't want to.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/import-...

You'll need to get a copy of the import declaration out of the courier, which will take ages.

[xreyuk]

davepoth said:

You can do it, but you really won't want to.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/import-...

You'll need to get a copy of the import declaration out of the courier, which will take ages.

Thanks, doesn't seem worth the effort.

[Red Devil]

Even if it was, you would still have a problem. You didn't pay the VAT to HMRC, the import customs clearance agent (Fedex/UPS/whoever) did and recharged it to you.

xreyuk said:

The only thing I can find on the net is a form for small businesses and didn't know if I needed a different form.

The above is why you can't find a form. See the link posted earlier: it directs you to the Business tax - forms section.
If you are a mail order retail customer you won't have either a EORI or VAT registration number.

[55palfers]

Get the money back from the people you paid it to, they can claim it back from HMG.

Did you return the shoes via the same mob?