[access-uk] Re: Voiceover products - VAT exemption
- From: "Steve Nutt" <steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 15:44:11 +0100
Hi Brian,
This is exactly my thinking, so thank you.
No-one has yet come up with governmental proof that VAT exempting the iPhone is
OK, and indeed, the government will close this loophole down if they get wind
of it.
All the best
Steve
--
Computer Room Services
77 Exeter Close
Stevenage
Hertfordshire
SG1 4PW
Tel: +44(0)1438-742286
Mob: +44(0)7956-334938
Fax: +44(0)1438-759589
Email: steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Web: http://www.comproom.co.uk
-----Original Message-----
From: access-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:access-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Brian
Sent: 24 October 2012 14:46
To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [access-uk] Re: Voiceover products - VAT exemption
Steve
I presume that the article below brings the argument to a negative
conclusion as far as registered blind people are concerned.
Google_ads_frame1 frame end
aswift_0 frame end
I know someone who bought iPhone 4s in London and didn't have to pay VAT on
it. Don't really know about legalities but this information about a blind
person
being exempted from vat on iPhone is accurate.
Thanks
----- Original Message ----- From: "Neil Barnfather - TalkNav"
<for...@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <viphone@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2012 9:53 AM
Subject: Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
Dear Alex and All,
I have, as this is very important, firstly checked with our internal finance
team, and then with HMRC directly.
You cannot, repeat cannot, get nil rated VAT relief on items purchased
within the UK which are, so to speak, off the shelf none adaptive
technologies.
The simple rule of thumb is; if the item comes right off the shelf, and can
be used without modification or alteration by the disabled person, then it
does
not qualify.
Yes, the iPhone has Voice Over built into it, as do all Apple products, yet,
the same inclusive or access technology is included in all of Apple's
products.
This is not a specific modification for the blind user.
As such, Apple's products do not qualify for VAT nil rating under this
section of law.
They directed me to the below text, which I have, for ease, copied and
pasted below.
It should be noted, that if you obtain a product without paying VAT, where
you should have, you are as liable as the vender. In other words, it is not
a
defence to say,'well, Apple gave me the VAT nil ratingâ"
Goods and services exempt from VAT
In accordance with group 14 of the zero rate schedule to the value
added tax act 1983.
Blind and partially sighted people, and charities working on their
behalf, can buy certain goods without paying VAT on them. This relief
from VAT also extends to:
- the provision of services to adapt items for use by, or to meet the
needs of, a blind or partially sighted person
- spare parts, accessories, repair and maintenance of such goods and
adaptations.
Goods which have been designed solely for use by disabled or blind and
partially sighted people and which are for personal or domestic use only
will be zero-rated for VAT.
This would include such items as:
- CCTV reading aids
- braille display units
- braille embossers
- speech synthesiser units
- speech output and character enlargement software.
Computer systems which are specially designed and manufactured solely
for the use of disabled people may qualify for a composite or reduced
rate of VAT where components and software similar to the above are
included in their manufacture.
Training in the use of such computer systems may also qualify for a
reduced rate of VAT for individuals where the equipment is used for
personal or domestic use. You should check with your supplier regarding
the amount of VAT to be charged when discussing purchase of you computer
system.
Brian
-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Nutt
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 1:52 PM
To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [access-uk] Re: Voiceover products - VAT exemption
Hi Roger,
Yes, I agree the onus is on us, but there is nothing that is legal, in other
words, provided by the government, that states that we are allowed to
provide an Apple phone VAT-exempt. I can see sighted peop;le say they're
buying them as gifts tfor blind people to get round this loophole and get an
iPhone cheaper.
Personally, I just wish VAT exemption would go away. Everyone should pay
VAT.
That's of course, jsut my opinion, not that of CRS.
All the best
Steve
--
Computer Room Services
77 Exeter Close
Stevenage
Hertfordshire
SG1 4PW
Tel: +44(0)1438-742286
Mob: +44(0)7956-334938
Fax: +44(0)1438-759589
Email: steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Web: http://www.comproom.co.uk
-----Original Message-----
From: access-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:access-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of roger.south@xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: 24 October 2012 11:58
To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [access-uk] Re: Voiceover products - VAT exemption
Hi Steve
Yes but as the retailer the onus is on you to find out if a customer should
query the point with you. where you send your VAT return will advise you
correctly. My days as a VAT advisor were long before this equipment was
available.
Roger
-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Nutt
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 11:17 AM
To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [access-uk] Re: Voiceover products - VAT exemption
Hi,
See what I mean? Even Apple stores give you different answers, so until I
see this in writing as being legal, then we will charge VAT on iPhones and
other pphones with voice software. Nobody yet, has been able to point us to
evidence of this.
Apple can take the hit if the Government catch them at it.
All the best
Steve
--
Computer Room Services
77 Exeter Close
Stevenage
Hertfordshire
SG1 4PW
Tel: +44(0)1438-742286
Mob: +44(0)7956-334938
Fax: +44(0)1438-759589
Email: steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Web: http://www.comproom.co.uk
-----Original Message-----
From: access-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:access-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Ali
Sent: 19 October 2012 14:39
To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [access-uk] Voiceover products - VAT exemption
Hi all,
Would this vat exemption apply to Iphone too? Somehow I must have missed the
answer for this. The Regent street Apple shop thinks it does not apply to
Iphones.
-------------------
Thank you.
Ali
** To leave the list, click on the immediately-following link:-
** [mailto:access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=unsubscribe]
** If this link doesn't work then send a message to:
** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
** and in the Subject line type
** unsubscribe
** For other list commands such as vacation mode, click on the
** immediately-following link:-
** [mailto:access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=faq]
** or send a message, to
** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the Subject:- faq
** To leave the list, click on the immediately-following link:-
** [mailto:access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=unsubscribe]
** If this link doesn't work then send a message to:
** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
** and in the Subject line type
** unsubscribe
** For other list commands such as vacation mode, click on the
** immediately-following link:-
** [mailto:access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=faq]
** or send a message, to
** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the Subject:- faq
** To leave the list, click on the immediately-following link:-
** [mailto:access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=unsubscribe]
** If this link doesn't work then send a message to:
** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
** and in the Subject line type
** unsubscribe
** For other list commands such as vacation mode, click on the
** immediately-following link:-
** [mailto:access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=faq]
** or send a message, to
** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the Subject:- faq
** To leave the list, click on the immediately-following link:-
** [mailto:access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=unsubscribe]
** If this link doesn't work then send a message to:
** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
** and in the Subject line type
** unsubscribe
** For other list commands such as vacation mode, click on the
** immediately-following link:-
** [mailto:access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=faq]
** or send a message, to
** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the Subject:- faq
** To leave the list, click on the immediately-following link:-
** [mailto:access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=unsubscribe]
** If this link doesn't work then send a message to:
** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
** and in the Subject line type
** unsubscribe
** For other list commands such as vacation mode, click on the
** immediately-following link:-
** [mailto:access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=faq]
** or send a message, to
** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the Subject:- faq
** To leave the list, click on the immediately-following link:-
** [mailto:access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=unsubscribe]
** If this link doesn't work then send a message to:
** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
** and in the Subject line type
** unsubscribe
** For other list commands such as vacation mode, click on the
** immediately-following link:-
** [mailto:access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=faq]
** or send a message, to
** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the Subject:- faq
Other related posts:
