VAT query

[Woodsparrow22]

Good evening ladies, hoping someone can help me

I purchased something for my business from a seller on amazon, something I thought I'd be able to claim VAT on.

I messaged the seller and asked for an invoice as it wasn't in the usual tab that invoices are in on amazon

They replied saying that they are in a flat rate scheme and therefore VAT is already included and they can't give me a VAT invoice.

Is this right? I don't know much about the flat rate scheme but this doesn't ring true to me. And I guess even if I can't claim the VAT I still want an invoice to put it through the business.

No this isn’t right. It would only be right if they weren’t VAT registered at all, and even then, under Amazon rules they still have to provide an invoice.

www.gov.uk/guidance/flat-rate-scheme-for-small-businesses-vat-notice-733--2#keeping-records-and-filling-in-your-vat-return

According to paras 7.3 and 7.4 they should issue you a VAT invoice as normal

Sounds like they are not vat registered

thank you, I have messaged them back and said what they're saying isn't right so thank you for confirming. Will see if they come back with anything and then report to amazon.

You should still receive a vat invoice. Flat rate had no bearing on this.
unless they’re not vat registered but have charged you vat

Thank you, I knew what they said wasn't right. I did reply and say it wasn't right and funnily enough they sent me an invoice this morning. I'll print that off then report them