Price + VAT on most kit cars - Why dont they just include it

[Goochie]

I've spend a considerable amount of time recently browsing price lists of kits and components on most manufacturers websites and one thing struck me - why do most list the prices and then have a header/footer saying "Prices subject to VAT"?

You dont go to Ford/Vauxhall and find the screen price isnt what you're actually going to pay, nor is it likely that you will be claiming back the VAT on your kit.

So why dont they just add VAT to the price you see on screen? It would make it a lot easier to actually see the cost of the parts.

(yes, I can manage to add 17.5% with a calculator, but thats not the point)

[rdodger]

I used to work in a bathroom showroom where prices were always + VAT. Partly because of the VAT registered trade customers but also it sounds cheaper.

It's not just the kit car industry, the mainstream manufacturers price all parts plus vat as do the likes of GFS etc. Just the way of the Motor industry in general I guess.

[jimmystratos]

Keeps it in everybody's mind just how much the ttting Government is taxing us.

[madmatt1985]

wilst we are talking about vat

do people think you could claim the vat back ?? i work for a family A/C, electrical company. I could order it against a 80K job then just back hander my dad. Or do you think the vat man will just tell me where to go.

[Joe T]

Overseas Sales. I think most kit manufactures hope to attract foreign buyers.

Import Export works on the actual cost, then local/destination taxes apply.

[Paul Drawmer]

madmatt1985 said:

wilst we are talking about vat

do people think you could claim the vat back ?? i work for a family A/C, electrical company. I could order it against a 80K job then just back hander my dad. Or do you think the vat man will just tell me where to go.

Don't even think about it.
No one will know, unless there's a VAT inspection.
But if there is, and if it gets found, then BIG penalties, and possibly all sorts of trade restriction for the VAT registered person.
HMRC are not renowned for their sense of humour, and they have far reaching powers in terms of search and holding of data (more than the police).

[madmatt1985]

what if the company was a sponsor? could ring the odd part ...?

ps. i have a company credit card if that helps ?

[Paul Drawmer]

madmatt1985 said:

ps. i have a company credit card if that helps ?

Tell me, how will paying by a company credit card make a difference?

The VAT man will still ask which plumbing job that carbon fibre nose cone was invoiced out on.

[Steve_D]

If the parts are billed to a company you will not convince VOSA of your 'Amateur build status' and they will not conduct an SVA test.

Steve

[singlecoil]

There's only one reason why they quote prices 'plus VAT' (and you are lucky if they make the extra clear in the early part of their advert, printed material or website) and that is to make their prices seem cheaper.

It's particularly rife with the smaller manufacturers, quite often when they grow up they convert to 'including VAT'

The simple answer to points about exports (which would need to be outside the EEC, BTW) and trade buyers is, of course SHOW BOTH PRICES!

[tomTVR]

Paul Drawmer said:

madmatt1985 said:

ps. i have a company credit card if that helps ?

Tell me, how will paying by a company credit card make a difference?

The VAT man will still ask which plumbing job that carbon fibre nose cone was invoiced out on.

true though.

[madmatt1985]

was a good idear at the time i posted it

[tomTVR]

madmatt1985 said:

was a good idear at the time i posted it

[madmatt1985]

fair game