Paying VAT retrospectively

[Jesus]

I used the services of a scaffolder last July and August for two jobs I did and paid the invoice promptly.
Today I received an invoice from him for the VAT element (2 x £70) as he was made VAT regd retrospectively last
March 2016.

I can't now go back to my customers and ask them for an extra £70, so what are the legalities of me not paying it, and of him asking me for it?

I'm not VAT regd, so would be out of pocket.

Thanks.

[Jesus]

No I'm not

[Jesus]

Thanks all.

And thanks Eric.
That was my initial thought.

However, I now need to think this through from a business point of view.
He's a good scaffolder and has always been prompt and sometimes has done me a job at short notice.

With this in mind, and being the kind and generous chap that I am, I have to have a think about whether to pay it.
When you find a tradesman that does a good job (bookkeeping aside..) it's sometimes worth keeping on the right side of them.

And he's a bloody big barstard too...

Probably worth a phone call to him.

[Jesus]

His invoices just state Labour and materials as at the time, I assume, he didn't think he needed to be VAT regd.
I guess it's only just come to light hence him having to be retrospectively regd.

There was a covering letter that came with the two VAT invoices outlining the issue.

[Jesus]

Hence my post 3 up...

[Jesus]

I think it'd be longer than 6 feet

[Jesus]

After speaking to them, they didn't realise I'm not VAT regd.
Said they didn't expect me to pay it and had just sent invoices out to everyone hoping some would pay.

Seemed ok with me not paying, and I offered to pay half - they declined it saying it's not my problem.