Suppliers charging VAT on zero rated products.

[megaphone]

How does this work? I went to buy some safety boots yesterday, all prices were plus VAT. When I challenged the shop assistant they new nothing about the zero rating on protective boots. Anyone know why? Are the suppliers pulling a fast one? Or are HMRC getting VAT on products they should not?

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vat-not...

http://www.arco.co.uk/browse/Footwear/Men's%20Safe...

Edited by megaphone on Tuesday 18th November 06:16

[megaphone]

The boots are for me, I'm not personally VAT registered.

It's not just the supplier I linked to above, other suppliers I checked are charging VAT. Although there does appear to be a grey area between boots and shoes, maybe some don't actually meet the criteria.

eg

http://www.screwfix.com/c/safety-workwear/safety-s...

http://www.screwfix.com/c/safety-workwear/safety-b...

I did challenge the shop assistant at Arco, they just gave me a blank look and shrugged their shoulders. I will contact their office and ask as all their prices where plus VAT.