VAT question

[Pacman33]

Some quick advice needed as accountant taking an age to reply!

Basically a very large order in from our client in Dubai for ac equipment, they’ve paid in full and I’m now flapping!

Obviously as I’m exporting the equipment out of the eu it’s zero rated for vat, but my supplier charges me vat.

Question is with the covid carry on still looking to be hanging around for a bit yet there’s a possibility shipping maybe delayed - is this going to hold up my vat refund from HMRC ? As I’ll need to provide proof of export or does the 3 month rule apply ?

Thanks in advance

Paul

[sgrimshaw]

Whether you've shipped and invoiced it is immaterial, the purchase will be part of your input tax as soon as you receive it (assuming you are not on Cash Basis for VAT).