Reclaiming VAT on costs for the disabled

[Derek Smith]

I am about to replace my bath and generous integral shower with a walk-in shower, needed because of problems with stepping over the side of the bath for both me and my wife. Neither of us are registered disabled, but we both have specific problems that make it dangerous as it is.

I’ve had various quotes, and most, including those advertising nationally, say that they do not charge, if that’s the word, VAT for people in our situation. I’ve also had a quote from a local guy we’ve used before whose work I’ve been impressed with. He is by no means fast, but very painstaking – painfully so. He charges VAT, saying it is up to me to reclaim it.

The quotes from companies not charging VAT are all higher than our local guy, two considerably so, although the other three vary down to just a few hundred more.

Is it possible to reclaim the VAT? If so, anyone know how I go about it?

[Bezerk]

It is not possible to reclaim the VAT.
You should not be charged VAT on your invoice.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-relief-on-certain-...

[hajaba123]

I don't know your circumstances but get on to your local council, you never know they might be able to sort it for you

[Derek Smith]

Thanks, guys.

I'll have words with my local guy.

It's one of those spooky coincidences that the prices of the local companies are all 'ball-park' regardless of whether VAT is supposedly charged or not.

[ray von]

Derek, when we were going through this for my father last year, who sadly passed before being able to use it the company we used gave us their own disclaimer to fill in based around the link below
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reliefs-from-vat-for-d...
Hope this helps a bit, the price of the non VAT quote was virtually the same as a local lad who did charge VAT, very strange how that worked out.

hajaba123 said:

I don't know your circumstances but get on to your local council, you never know they might be able to sort it for you

In our experience the council gave us a list of companies who did wetrooms, no recommendations just a list, but if you're suggesting the council would contribute to costs or even give you guidance that doesn't happen unless you are on the bones of your arse.

Edited by ray von on Saturday 8th April 08:05

[22]

A little different but when buying certain items for medical reasons you don't pay VAT, you just have to self-certify you qualify.

The relevant bit being not all companies offered the VAT-free scheme (in fact we weren't aware of it until a conversation with one).

[hajaba123]

ray von said:

but if you're suggesting the council would contribute to costs or even give you guidance that doesn't happen unless you are on the bones of your arse.

Edited by ray von on Saturday 8th April 08:05

That is what I was suggesting, seems that my parents are as they are getting some help