Reclaim your V.A.T.
VAT refunds for International Organisers of events in the UK
Travelling to the UK on business is not as expensive as organisations may think….the UK provides more opportunities for reclaiming business expenses than many of its European neighbours. Find out below how organisations may be able to get up to 1/6 of the costs of their expenses back.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Did you know you may be able to reclaim up to one sixth of the costs of your UK business programmes and expenses by reclaiming the Value Added Tax (VAT) you have paid in the UK?
Reclaiming your VAT is easy, thanks to the efficient system of the UK VAT refund authorities and the wealth of practical help and advice available.
What is Value Added Tax?
VAT, unlike a sales tax, is already included in the price of most goods and services in all EC countries. In the UK, with few exceptions, just one rate of VAT is charged.
Do I have to pay VAT?
Yes, you will have to pay VAT on most goods and services purchased for your event but reclaiming VAT is easy.
Is VAT payable on everything?
The following are some of the items exempt from UK VAT - public transport, coach travel, air travel, taxi fares, magazines & books.
Which part of my costs can I reclaim?
You can include in your claim for VAT refund your general business expenses for example:
Conference & Exhibition Expenses, including space hire & contractors' fees
- Hotel Rooms
- Food / Drink
- Car Rental
- Professional Fees
- Telephone & Fax
- Secretarial Services
Are procedures different for EC and Non EC countries?
Yes. VAT reclaim advisors and HM Customs and Excise staff can help you to make your claim.
What must I have to support my claim?
Your original invoices, not copies, showing the amount of VAT you have been charged and a certificate of status.
When can I make my claim?
As soon as you have your invoices. A deadline exists of December 31st for claims occurring in the year running from July 1st - June 31st.
Can I get help to make a claim?
Yes. Seek advice as soon as you start planning your next event. Though VAT reclaim companies will charge a fee or commission for their services, you can still reduce the overall cost of your event by a significant amount.
How long does it take to process my claim?
Claims are usually paid within 3 - 6 months.
Is the VAT on business expenses all that I can claim?
Don't forget many international visitors may reclaim the VAT paid on their personal purchases in the UK including souvenirs, clothing and leather goods.
For advice on reclaiming UK VAT the following contacts may be of use to you. Inclusion in this list of agencies does not imply a recommendation on the part of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
HM Customs & Excise | VAT Overseas Repayment
8th/13th Directive
Custom House
Londonderry BT 48 7AE
Northern Ireland
Tel: +44 (0)28 7137 6200
Fax: +44 (0)28 7137 2520
www.hmce.gov.uk
In the UK | FEXCO Tax Reclaim
6 King Street Cloisters
Clifton Walk
London W6 0GY
Tel: +44 (0)20 8563 6691
Fax: +44 (0)20 8563 6690
www.fexco.com/services
Quipsound | European VAT Recovery
The Town Building
London Road
Westerham
Kent TN16 1UT
Tel: +44 (0)1959 561717
Fax: +44 (0)1959 564740
www.quipsound.com
Vatback/Busivat Tax Free Services
PO Box 243
Reigate
Surrey RH2 9YS
Tel: +44 (0)1737 229400
Fax: +44 (0)1737 229408
www.taxfree-services.com
PricewaterhouseCoopers
89 Sandyford Road
Newcastle upon Tyne NE99 iPL
Tel: + 44 (0)191 232 8493
Fax: +44 (0)191 230 3091
www.globalvatonline.com
Clark Eide Inc.
22 The Plat Edenbridge
Kent TN8 5BJ
Tel: +44 (0)1732 860430
Fax: +44 (0)1732 860496
www.cei-vat.com
In the USA | Clark Eide Inc.
903 West 6th Road
Giltner NE 68841
Tel: +1 574-233-0912
Fax: +1 574-233-0894
www.cei-vat.com
Euro VAT Refund
5173 Overland Avenue
Culver City CA. 90230
Tel: +1 310 204 0805
Fax +1 310 841 0672
www.eurovat.com
Important Note: The information provided is given in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board can accept no responsibility for any error or misinterpretation. All liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by reliance on the information contained on this page is hereby excluded.