Claiming VAT

-K- · 26 Jun 2009 at 00:12

Hi guys, if you are a holder of UK Student visa, can you still claim VAT on goods purchased in UK?

Ricochet J · 26 Jun 2009 at 00:21

No. You come here to study, not to enjoy a holiday so you will not be tax exempt.

player · 26 Jun 2009 at 00:24

I don't understand what the question is asking?

If you are not a British Citizen can you buy goods here exempt of VAT?

-K- · 26 Jun 2009 at 00:25

If you are a foreigner holding UK student visa, are you able to claim VAT back?

That is my question..

shifty_uk · 26 Jun 2009 at 00:27

Erm, I wouldn't imagine so? :confused:

What are planning on buying that would become considerably less without VAT?

-K- · 26 Jun 2009 at 00:36

Ok guys, you actually only claim VAT back at the airport, anything you buy before still inc. of VAT.

So if a STUDENT VISA holder isn't eligible, then thats fine.

mame · 26 Jun 2009 at 01:23

So someone chooses to come to this country, chooses to study and not work and then wants a tax holiday? I don't think so. Two choices. Just like I would have.

Sudden · 26 Jun 2009 at 02:02

mame said:
So someone chooses to come to this country, chooses to study and not work and then wants a tax holiday? I don't think so. Two choices. Just like I would have.

But his choice to study subsidizes the universities so that you can study there for 3 grand a year

In any case, as he stated earlier, the whole tax exemption thing only works when you're leaving the country. Of course that means you can buy it, take the exemption when going out and the bring it back in, but in my opinion, that's way too much hassle. As an international student myself, I can tell you that the biggest problem I face going in and out is the airline weight limit. The last thing I want to do is carry around extra weight just to save myself a few quid.

-K- · 26 Jun 2009 at 03:11

So you can CLAIM VAT Back then?

The thing I am claiming is small. SO weight is not a problem.

Pestilence · 26 Jun 2009 at 03:25

I wouldn't imagine you can claim VAT back simply being an American citizen. Welcome to Britain, you knew what you were getting in for, so suck it up.

D.P. · 26 Jun 2009 at 08:18

You can claim the VAT back when you leave the country. I do it all the time.

You have to ask for a VAT reclaim form in the shop you are buying the goods. The shop has to fill out a load of details. When you leave a UK airport youu drop it in a box. 6 months later you get a check with the money.

But you have to be a non-resident. As a student you are residing within the UK. Pay the Tax!

Sudden · 26 Jun 2009 at 08:51

D.P. said:
But you have to be a non-resident. As a student you are residing within the UK. Pay the Tax!

Is a point. I forgot about the residency thing. In all likelihood the shop itself will see that and deny you cause its a student visa and not a tourist one.

In any case, if you've already bought it, I would say that it's pretty unlikely you'l be able to claim. As D.P. said, you need to do it when you first buy the thing and the shop fills in forms etc.

ubern00b · 26 Jun 2009 at 11:26

You can only claim VAT back on certain items, not sure of the full list but electrical/electronic goods spring to mind. The point of claiming the VAT back is not a "VAT Holiday" as you are meant to then pay that VAT to the country of your destination on entry, assuming of course you declare your purchases, which people never do. You can only claim the VAT on items purchased within 90 days of you leaving the country too.