Why do we have to pay VAT on our equipment

[Suffolk-Matt]

Take VAT off all safety equipment and you will end up paying for it somewhere else.

 

Boots and helmets are VAT free as they are worn in practically ever industry. The amount of money saved by the government from people not ending up in A and E with broken head and feet justifies the VAT exemption.

 

That would probably not be the case with other safety equipment, so no it shouldnt all be VAT exempt.

 

Valid point

 

Trousers are the thing for me. Think how many pairs are sold each year in the UK... I guess not a great amount, the VAT wouldnt be a massive gain to "the pot". I know any operative worth his salt would be wearing even basic trousers but any injury costs the NHS. Think Mr Smith who decides to invest in a Black and Decker special from B&Q, £40 for the saw and then spend another £45 on trousers??? No he wont bother.. Knock that VAT off and it would be more appealing..

 

Major surgery to the leg with ligaments and joints involved surely must cost tens or even hundreds of thousands..? I dunno.

 

Jonsies had some basic trousers on offer for about the £45 mark, maybe still do.

Minus the Vat they would the same price as the average pair of work trousers

[RichieR]

Thanks Steve you are right

[Alycidon]

Although you cant claim the vat back you do put the whole lot against your tax so your not actually 20% worst off and you get more domestic jobs because you are 20% cheaper swings and roundabouts.

 

 

 

Why cant you as a VAT registered business claim the VAT bacK?. I assume you are talking about a non VAT registered business.

 

A

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

Although you cant claim the vat back you do put the whole lot against your tax so your not actually 20% worst off and you get more domestic jobs because you are 20% cheaper swings and roundabouts.

 

Fair point!

[RichieR]

then again you could nip the main artery in the thigh and bleed to death in minutes. Thankfully you won't cost the NHS diddly squirt just cold slab and lodgings til box is ready

[RichieR]

I just find it a giggle as VAT was brought in to make extra revenue on luxury goods or non essential items as they like to call it. I wouldn't say our safety equipment is bought to pretty ourselves it's essential equipment

[Stefan P]

How much is the VAT on such equipment? We have 25% and many change name on the receipt to equipment which you don't have to pay VAT for :-)

[RichieR]

20% but depending on its necessity the rate can vary

[gensetsteve]

Why cant you as a VAT registered business claim the VAT bacK?. I assume you are talking about a non VAT registered business.

 

A

 

I assume the op is not vat registered otherwise it would make no difference and so no reason to post. I am vat registered and can claim it back.

 

Just a side note I often employ lads that are not vat registered and although I cant claim vat back I offset their whole bill on tax so they are not at such a disadvantage for example.

 

£100 + vat = £120 - Vat = £100 - 25% Tax at end of year =£75

 

£120 no vat = £120 -25% = £90

[TGB]

Its coz God hates us

That made me laugh. Plus if all PPE were VAT exempt, how would MPs & the lords run their 2nd & 3rd homes, buy a new BMW/Merc every year?