VAT refunds leaving the UK

[70herald]

Hi all
I am planning on making a quick trip to the UK in a few weeks (work) and was thinking of bringing a few parts I need back home with me.
The main dealer I order parts from deducts VAT from items shipped out of the European Community. Also in theory at least some shops should be able to provide a refund if items were removed from the EC.
Has anyone actually done this for car parts?
YS

 

[JPSmit]

looks doable, here is the info. My recollection when we were in Scotland a few years ago was that there was a minimum that you had to buy AND it had to be from the same place.

https://www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/sectors/consumers/overseas-visitors.htm#1

 

[Steve]

If I understand the regulations correctly, you either have to apply for a refund after having taken the goods out of the EC, or have them ship direct to you, in which case VAT is deducted at the point of sale.

 

[Gliderman8]

When I purchased some items (for interior)I was given a VAT form from the vendor. They filled it out and I presented it to the tax officials at Heathrow. They validated it after asking me some questions, then the form got mailed back to the vendor who credited my charge card for the VAT.

 

[Scott_Hower]

When I purchased some items (for interior)I was given a VAT form from the vendor. They filled it out and I presented it to the tax officials at Heathrow. They validated it after asking me some questions, then the form got mailed back to the vendor who credited my charge card for the VAT.

+1.

Make certain the vendor fills out the VAT paperwork. The VAT desk at Heathrow is just past security before the ginormous duty free hall. They may actually want to inspect the goods; which means you need to carry them with you. Thats an enormous pain. I've only been asked once to produce the goods. You will want to use a credit card for purchase and for refund, otherwise you'll get a cheque in GBP/sterling.

Don't expect a full VAT refund, most take about half of it in service fees.

 

[70herald]

The VAT desk at Heathrow is just past security before the ginormous duty free hall. They may actually want to inspect the goods; which means you need to carry them with you. Thats an enormous pain.

I assume that is before check in?

From what I found from the vendors, Rimmers will provide the correct form, Canley does not. Happily Rimmers also is having a sale on the exhaust system I need, and they will even cut it in half for me so that it fits in my big duffel bag.

 

[Scott_Hower]

The VAT desk at Heathrow is just past security before the ginormous duty free hall. They may actually want to inspect the goods; which means you need to carry them with you. Thats an enormous pain.

I assume that is before check in?

From what I found from the vendors, Rimmers will provide the correct form, Canley does not. Happily Rimmers also is having a sale on the exhaust system I need, and they will even cut it in half for me so that it fits in my big duffel bag.

Sadly, it's not. You need to pass through the security labyrinth, then go through the "shoe inspection" area. Just past there on the left side is the tax office. Can't imagine you carrying an exhaust on the plane, so you have a good excuse to check it. There's a post office bin just outside the office to mail it.

I am assuming you are departing from T3. All bets are off if not.