VAT exemption for disablity

[MummyPocPoc]

Any HMRC / tax heads here?

Just wondering about this as this week I bought Caring Cutlery on this website for DS1 (HFASD, low muscle tone)

When I went to checkout, it gives an option that if you have, or are buying for someone with, a disability, you get VAT exemption by stating this.

So, in theory, is it possible to keep receipts for any goods purchased specifically as a disability aid or support, then claim back VAT for this?

Or is it solely reliant on the retailer being part of this scheme and not charging VAT at checkout?

20% off so seems worth investigating?

Now that I've read the page I linked to...

There is info here

I think you can claim it back. I remember being told a few years back that I could claim back the tax on a new vacuum cleaner as ds1 had ashtma! Never did though, was the time before the web and didn't have a clue where to start.

I think you have probably answered your own question mummy. Although the regulations are not always clear cut. I think generally any item which is specifically designed for disabled people to use is 'vat' exempt although you do have to sign a declaration. EG I buy 'conti pads' for DD's wheelchair and don't pay any VAT.
However, we had an extension built on our house for DD and some of it was exempt and some of it wasn't. One builder refused to quote for the job as he said that VAT regulations for this were complicated and he didn't want to be responsible for working out the correct VAT. (Any errors could have come back on him). In the end the builder that did do the job just sat down with us one evening and we both went through the VAT guidance notes and worked it out together - but it was a very grey area and we couldn't be certain we had got it right.

I will email HMRC and ask how I go about claiming VAT back.

Saw a thread on trampolines, and as DS1 is hitting himself daily now due to pressures of nursery, I think it would be a great way for him to let off steam.

I shall investigate further (really I ought to have been a detective!!!) and if I find out anything interesting I will of course update this thread