Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
hello all! i just found out about this thread and this topic that is very interesting! in had been diagnosed as partially blind and legally blind by authorities in the UK unfortunately i have lost this documentation do you know if i can apply and get a new one so i can make use of the option in the apple stores? obviously apple store will need some for of proof for the exclusion of the vat thank you On Tuesday, October 16, 2012 4:26:18 PM UTC+3, Alex Wallis wrote: Hi list, I just found out something interesting that I didn't know before. If your registered blind in the UK you can by apple products v a t free, so that means you get about 20 percent off. In the case of the iPhone 5 64 gb model this would save you about �140, I assume this applies to all apple products, given that they all include VoiceOver these days. I new about being able to get products specially designed for the visually impaired v a t free, but had no idea this applied to Apple. I rang my local store, and they were aware of this, I heard from someone else that the store in covent garden in London is also aware of this, but the person also said that the store in regents street wasn't aware of it, so it sounds like not all stores know about this, still its definitely worth knowing about. Hope people find the above information useful. Alex. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. Post a new message to VIPhone by emailing viphone@googlegroups.com. Search and view the VIPhone archives by visiting http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. Reach the VIPhone owner and moderators by emailing viphone+ow...@googlegroups.com. Unsubscribe and leave VIPhone by emailing viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. More VIPhone group options can be found by visiting http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en. --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups VIPhone group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
This has been discussed at such length in the past. It is at best, a moot point, and for the most part, a false one, that you will get VAT exemption on any of the iDevices. Some buyers have struck lucky when they found a store not fully conversant with the rules; but it's not something to depend on. Rh - Original Message - From: Applemania Gr applemani...@gmail.com To: viphone@googlegroups.com Cc: alexwallis...@googlemail.com Sent: Wednesday, October 02, 2013 10:37 AM Subject: Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. hello all! i just found out about this thread and this topic that is very interesting! in had been diagnosed as partially blind and legally blind by authorities in the UK unfortunately i have lost this documentation do you know if i can apply and get a new one so i can make use of the option in the apple stores? obviously apple store will need some for of proof for the exclusion of the vat thank you On Tuesday, October 16, 2012 4:26:18 PM UTC+3, Alex Wallis wrote: Hi list, I just found out something interesting that I didn't know before. If your registered blind in the UK you can by apple products v a t free, so that means you get about 20 percent off. In the case of the iPhone 5 64 gb model this would save you about �140, I assume this applies to all apple products, given that they all include VoiceOver these days. I new about being able to get products specially designed for the visually impaired v a t free, but had no idea this applied to Apple. I rang my local store, and they were aware of this, I heard from someone else that the store in covent garden in London is also aware of this, but the person also said that the store in regents street wasn't aware of it, so it sounds like not all stores know about this, still its definitely worth knowing about. Hope people find the above information useful. Alex. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. Post a new message to VIPhone by emailing viphone@googlegroups.com. Search and view the VIPhone archives by visiting http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. Reach the VIPhone owner and moderators by emailing viphone+ow...@googlegroups.com. Unsubscribe and leave VIPhone by emailing viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. More VIPhone group options can be found by visiting http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en. --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups VIPhone group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. Post a new message to VIPhone by emailing viphone@googlegroups.com. Search and view the VIPhone archives by visiting http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. Reach the VIPhone owner and moderators by emailing viphone+ow...@googlegroups.com. Unsubscribe and leave VIPhone by emailing viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. More VIPhone group options can be found by visiting http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en. --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups VIPhone group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: Tax exemptions, was: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
Hi, it’s now been established that the Apple store made an error. The Idevices aren’t solely designed for disabled people and therefore wouldn’t be covered under the exemption. Apple themselves have now also confirmed this was an error and thatthey have breached UK tax laws. Peter From: harmony.n...@gmail.com Sent: Monday, December 31, 2012 5:56 PM To: viphone@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: Tax exemptions, was: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. Don't know if anyone's mentioned this, but I've heard that all the apple products blind people in the UK can be exempt from VAT or whatever it is if they buy fom the Apple stores. All their products except the iPhone itelf apparently. I don't know why or if it's true, but that's just what I was told by a friend a few days ago. On 31 Dec 2012, at 5:34 PM, Sieghard Weitzel siegh...@live.ca wrote: Hi List, The topic about taxes on Apple products especially in the UK where there is a very high VAT has come up again and again over the last couple of months. I just wanted to comment that it should be up to organisations like the RNIB in the UK, the CNIB in Canada, the NFB in the States and so on to sort this out with the government. In a way I would argue that even though a Mac or an iPhone is not specifically made for the blind, Apple has invested a lot of money and effort to make it into a device for the blind and, as a rule, a much less expensive device than products specifically designed for the blind. This could be easily regulated by setting straight forward rules for when a person could obtain a tax exemption, e.g. it could be done by providing a certificate from a Doctor stating that the person really is blind and entitled for the exemption. You would then take this to the Apple Store to get your product without paying taxes. Regards, Sieghard -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en.
Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
Gina, Two thins of note; Apple could never claim, nor could we, that their products were originally designed for the blindness market. Its in none of their marketing materials etc, Apple have specifically designed this for blind users and not sighted ones etc. Secondly, having pushed Apple hard on this, that is , why some stores do it, and others do not. I have received an e-mail from them last week confirming that an error had been made at certain stores… That Apple would pay the VAT on the orders to date that they should not have let through, and that they would not be making this clear mistake into the future. I rang the store that I had got the VAT off of only four weeks ago, and asked to speak to the same employee… Without indicating that I knew that things in theory had changed, I asked if I could come back and buy another Mac… He stated, not with VAT nil rated, that they had receive a directive from head office, explaining that they had been breaching VAT regulations and that they could no longer nil rate VAT. so that, as they say is that. Regards, Neil Barnfather Talks List Administrator Twitter @neilbarnfather TalkNav is a Nuance, Code Factory and Sendero dealer, as well as an Apple iOS, Macintosh and Android accessibility specialist. For all your accessible phone, PDA and GPS related enquiries visit www.talknav.com URL: - www.talknav.com e-mail: - serv...@talknav.com Phone: - +44 844 999 4199 On 25 Dec 2012, at 23:28, Georgina Joyce r...@o2.co.uk wrote: Hello, It is a nice one for lawyers to argue about. I guess Apple could argue that 4.5.2 was applicable. How does anyone know what the original intention was? What concerns me is that some potential recipients on this list and the access UK list are finding it difficult to accept. Surely, we should be helping each other and share the names of those stores that provide the exemption. Whether in the course in time they all do or if it's at the discretion of each manager, I don't know. But good luck to all those who have received it. Regent Square, Belfast and Trafford Centre. Let's just stop quoting legal stuff and support our fellow VIP in accessing IOS devices. After all, that is what this list is for. Gena On 25/12/2012 21:25, Peter Holdstock wrote: Hi, appologies as the only messages I've seen on this subject are those below. But I thought this might clarify the fact that Apple products wouldn't be covered for zero vat as they weren't specifically designed for disabled people. The link to the page on the HMRC site is below. 4.5 Other equipment and appliances “designed solely” for use by a disabled person 4.5.1 General You can zero rate the supply to an eligible customer as detailed in paragraph 3.1 of any other equipment and appliances that have been designed solely for use by disabled people. It is not sufficient for zero-rating that the equipment or appliance is merely destined or intended for use by a disabled person, or is mainly purchased by disabled persons. For example, general purpose equipment such as most computer hardware, ordinary or orthopaedic beds, orthopaedic or reclining chairs may benefit a disabled person, but are designed for general use or for use by disabled and able bodied people alike. Such products are not eligible for relief. Equipment which has been designed solely for use by a disabled people will remain eligible for relief even though they are available to be purchased by people who do not have a disability. VAT relief will however only apply to supplies which are made to eligible persons or bodies as detailed in paragraph 3.1. 4.5.2 Meaning of “designed solely for use by a disabled person” This means the original intention of the designer was to produce equipment or an appliance designed solely to meet the needs of persons with one or more disabilities. The design must succeed in that the product does in fact meet the needs of disabled persons. There are a number of conditions which may, but do not invariably result in disability - such as: ◾ asthma; ◾ psoriasis; and ◾ dyslexia. Equipment which meets the needs of people with such a condition will only qualify for zero-rating if designed solely for the purpose of meeting the needs of disabled sufferers of the condition. http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true_pageLabel=pageImport_ShowContentid=HMCE_CL_000184propertyType=document Peter -Original Message- From: Neil Barnfather - TalkNav Sent: Monday, December 17, 2012 4:45 PM To: viphone@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. Laura, Conflicting is not the word for it… I personally myself went into Apple Regents Street London, and bought 4 iPad's, 3 Mini's and a 4th Gen, and paid no VAT for any of them. The senior cashier specifically told me that the information could be
Tax exemptions, was: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
Hi List, The topic about taxes on Apple products especially in the UK where there is a very high VAT has come up again and again over the last couple of months. I just wanted to comment that it should be up to organisations like the RNIB in the UK, the CNIB in Canada, the NFB in the States and so on to sort this out with the government. In a way I would argue that even though a Mac or an iPhone is not specifically made for the blind, Apple has invested a lot of money and effort to make it into a device for the blind and, as a rule, a much less expensive device than products specifically designed for the blind. This could be easily regulated by setting straight forward rules for when a person could obtain a tax exemption, e.g. it could be done by providing a certificate from a Doctor stating that the person really is blind and entitled for the exemption. You would then take this to the Apple Store to get your product without paying taxes. Regards, Sieghard -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en.
Re: Tax exemptions, was: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
Don't know if anyone's mentioned this, but I've heard that all the apple products blind people in the UK can be exempt from VAT or whatever it is if they buy fom the Apple stores. All their products except the iPhone itelf apparently. I don't know why or if it's true, but that's just what I was told by a friend a few days ago. On 31 Dec 2012, at 5:34 PM, Sieghard Weitzel siegh...@live.ca wrote: Hi List, The topic about taxes on Apple products especially in the UK where there is a very high VAT has come up again and again over the last couple of months. I just wanted to comment that it should be up to organisations like the RNIB in the UK, the CNIB in Canada, the NFB in the States and so on to sort this out with the government. In a way I would argue that even though a Mac or an iPhone is not specifically made for the blind, Apple has invested a lot of money and effort to make it into a device for the blind and, as a rule, a much less expensive device than products specifically designed for the blind. This could be easily regulated by setting straight forward rules for when a person could obtain a tax exemption, e.g. it could be done by providing a certificate from a Doctor stating that the person really is blind and entitled for the exemption. You would then take this to the Apple Store to get your product without paying taxes. Regards, Sieghard -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en.
Re: Tax exemptions, was: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
we don't have this in the USA! It sounds like a good program! Heather -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en.
Re: Tax exemptions, was: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
to add to this I wonder if the assistive devices program aka adp will ever cover things like the iphone or any other apple products. from Mich. - Original Message - From: Sieghard Weitzel To: viphone@googlegroups.com Sent: Monday, December 31, 2012 12:34 PM Subject: Tax exemptions, was: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. Hi List, The topic about taxes on Apple products especially in the UK where there is a very high VAT has come up again and again over the last couple of months. I just wanted to comment that it should be up to organisations like the RNIB in the UK, the CNIB in Canada, the NFB in the States and so on to sort this out with the government. In a way I would argue that even though a Mac or an iPhone is not specifically made for the blind, Apple has invested a lot of money and effort to make it into a device for the blind and, as a rule, a much less expensive device than products specifically designed for the blind. This could be easily regulated by setting straight forward rules for when a person could obtain a tax exemption, e.g. it could be done by providing a certificate from a Doctor stating that the person really is blind and entitled for the exemption. You would then take this to the Apple Store to get your product without paying taxes. Regards, Sieghard -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en.
RE: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
Hi Gena, This issue is very interesting. The thing which confuses me is the discrepancies between stores. I tried the Milton Keynes store the other day and they brought down the documentation and could not identify this exemption. They listed exemptions for Nil VAT which included being a member of the forces from overseas or to buy medical equipment, being a charity also makes you exempt. I have no problem with people who have been lucky enough to get the vat discount though do feel it should be a policy across all apple stores rather than a postcode lottery. Jmo, Louise. -Original Message- From: viphone@googlegroups.com [mailto:viphone@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Georgina Joyce Sent: 25 December 2012 11:29 PM To: viphone@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. Hello, It is a nice one for lawyers to argue about. I guess Apple could argue that 4.5.2 was applicable. How does anyone know what the original intention was? What concerns me is that some potential recipients on this list and the access UK list are finding it difficult to accept. Surely, we should be helping each other and share the names of those stores that provide the exemption. Whether in the course in time they all do or if it's at the discretion of each manager, I don't know. But good luck to all those who have received it. Regent Square, Belfast and Trafford Centre. Let's just stop quoting legal stuff and support our fellow VIP in accessing IOS devices. After all, that is what this list is for. Gena On 25/12/2012 21:25, Peter Holdstock wrote: Hi, appologies as the only messages I've seen on this subject are those below. But I thought this might clarify the fact that Apple products wouldn't be covered for zero vat as they weren't specifically designed for disabled people. The link to the page on the HMRC site is below. 4.5 Other equipment and appliances “designed solely” for use by a disabled person 4.5.1 General You can zero rate the supply to an eligible customer as detailed in paragraph 3.1 of any other equipment and appliances that have been designed solely for use by disabled people. It is not sufficient for zero-rating that the equipment or appliance is merely destined or intended for use by a disabled person, or is mainly purchased by disabled persons. For example, general purpose equipment such as most computer hardware, ordinary or orthopaedic beds, orthopaedic or reclining chairs may benefit a disabled person, but are designed for general use or for use by disabled and able bodied people alike. Such products are not eligible for relief. Equipment which has been designed solely for use by a disabled people will remain eligible for relief even though they are available to be purchased by people who do not have a disability. VAT relief will however only apply to supplies which are made to eligible persons or bodies as detailed in paragraph 3.1. 4.5.2 Meaning of “designed solely for use by a disabled person” This means the original intention of the designer was to produce equipment or an appliance designed solely to meet the needs of persons with one or more disabilities. The design must succeed in that the product does in fact meet the needs of disabled persons. There are a number of conditions which may, but do not invariably result in disability - such as: ◾ asthma; ◾ psoriasis; and ◾ dyslexia. Equipment which meets the needs of people with such a condition will only qualify for zero-rating if designed solely for the purpose of meeting the needs of disabled sufferers of the condition. http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.p ortal?_nfpb=true_pageLabel=pageImport_ShowContentid=HMCE_CL_000184p ropertyType=document Peter -Original Message- From: Neil Barnfather - TalkNav Sent: Monday, December 17, 2012 4:45 PM To: viphone@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. Laura, Conflicting is not the word for it… I personally myself went into Apple Regents Street London, and bought 4 iPad's, 3 Mini's and a 4th Gen, and paid no VAT for any of them. The senior cashier specifically told me that the information could be found in the Apple Me documentation. This is apparently the system that all Apple employees have access to, it tells them how to be a good Apple bod. In this document it specifically states that only phones are excluded. Indeed, the chap showed me on his payment terminal how he could nil rate any Mac or iPad, but, when he added an iPhone 5 that had VAT. we could do any combo we liked, all was VAT nil rated, bar the iPhone. He read the section out of Apple Me which points out the exclusion for iPHones. I am still heavily arguing now with Apple as I have always bought from Apple online… this is not VAT nil rated nor are over the phone purchases, which
Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
Gena, I happily support those who can get the exemption but it's important people do know where they stand legally as there will be those on the list that have gotten the impression it's a legal right and therefore kick up a fuss and ptentialy try to take things further. Of course that may lead to embarressment and frustration. I don't think anyone is trying to be negative. As for Apple arguing anything, I doubt that will happen as it would cost them time and money along with a lot of stress with HMRC. The fact the device was without a screen reader for so long and as a huge majority of it's users are sighted I doubt very much HMRC would accept that it's original intended purpose was for the use of disabled people. I'm not 100% sure but I think it has to be soely for the use of disabled people for the exemption to apply. Peter -Original Message- From: Louise Redsull Sent: Sunday, December 30, 2012 11:43 AM To: viphone@googlegroups.com Subject: RE: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. Hi Gena, This issue is very interesting. The thing which confuses me is the discrepancies between stores. I tried the Milton Keynes store the other day and they brought down the documentation and could not identify this exemption. They listed exemptions for Nil VAT which included being a member of the forces from overseas or to buy medical equipment, being a charity also makes you exempt. I have no problem with people who have been lucky enough to get the vat discount though do feel it should be a policy across all apple stores rather than a postcode lottery. Jmo, Louise. -Original Message- From: viphone@googlegroups.com [mailto:viphone@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Georgina Joyce Sent: 25 December 2012 11:29 PM To: viphone@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. Hello, It is a nice one for lawyers to argue about. I guess Apple could argue that 4.5.2 was applicable. How does anyone know what the original intention was? What concerns me is that some potential recipients on this list and the access UK list are finding it difficult to accept. Surely, we should be helping each other and share the names of those stores that provide the exemption. Whether in the course in time they all do or if it's at the discretion of each manager, I don't know. But good luck to all those who have received it. Regent Square, Belfast and Trafford Centre. Let's just stop quoting legal stuff and support our fellow VIP in accessing IOS devices. After all, that is what this list is for. Gena On 25/12/2012 21:25, Peter Holdstock wrote: Hi, appologies as the only messages I've seen on this subject are those below. But I thought this might clarify the fact that Apple products wouldn't be covered for zero vat as they weren't specifically designed for disabled people. The link to the page on the HMRC site is below. 4.5 Other equipment and appliances “designed solely” for use by a disabled person 4.5.1 General You can zero rate the supply to an eligible customer as detailed in paragraph 3.1 of any other equipment and appliances that have been designed solely for use by disabled people. It is not sufficient for zero-rating that the equipment or appliance is merely destined or intended for use by a disabled person, or is mainly purchased by disabled persons. For example, general purpose equipment such as most computer hardware, ordinary or orthopaedic beds, orthopaedic or reclining chairs may benefit a disabled person, but are designed for general use or for use by disabled and able bodied people alike. Such products are not eligible for relief. Equipment which has been designed solely for use by a disabled people will remain eligible for relief even though they are available to be purchased by people who do not have a disability. VAT relief will however only apply to supplies which are made to eligible persons or bodies as detailed in paragraph 3.1. 4.5.2 Meaning of “designed solely for use by a disabled person” This means the original intention of the designer was to produce equipment or an appliance designed solely to meet the needs of persons with one or more disabilities. The design must succeed in that the product does in fact meet the needs of disabled persons. There are a number of conditions which may, but do not invariably result in disability - such as: ◾ asthma; ◾ psoriasis; and ◾ dyslexia. Equipment which meets the needs of people with such a condition will only qualify for zero-rating if designed solely for the purpose of meeting the needs of disabled sufferers of the condition. http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.p ortal?_nfpb=true_pageLabel=pageImport_ShowContentid=HMCE_CL_000184p ropertyType=document Peter -Original Message- From: Neil Barnfather - TalkNav Sent: Monday, December 17, 2012 4:45 PM To: viphone@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: You can by
Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
I've just paid for my new I mac and had to pay £600 and something pence just for VAT. I wish I could send some documentation to the online store so I could have just paid for the I Mac, the original price without VAT. Kawal. On 30 Dec 2012, at 11:43 AM, Louise Redsull louisereds...@googlemail.com wrote: Hi Gena, This issue is very interesting. The thing which confuses me is the discrepancies between stores. I tried the Milton Keynes store the other day and they brought down the documentation and could not identify this exemption. They listed exemptions for Nil VAT which included being a member of the forces from overseas or to buy medical equipment, being a charity also makes you exempt. I have no problem with people who have been lucky enough to get the vat discount though do feel it should be a policy across all apple stores rather than a postcode lottery. Jmo, Louise. -Original Message- From: viphone@googlegroups.com [mailto:viphone@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Georgina Joyce Sent: 25 December 2012 11:29 PM To: viphone@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. Hello, It is a nice one for lawyers to argue about. I guess Apple could argue that 4.5.2 was applicable. How does anyone know what the original intention was? What concerns me is that some potential recipients on this list and the access UK list are finding it difficult to accept. Surely, we should be helping each other and share the names of those stores that provide the exemption. Whether in the course in time they all do or if it's at the discretion of each manager, I don't know. But good luck to all those who have received it. Regent Square, Belfast and Trafford Centre. Let's just stop quoting legal stuff and support our fellow VIP in accessing IOS devices. After all, that is what this list is for. Gena On 25/12/2012 21:25, Peter Holdstock wrote: Hi, appologies as the only messages I've seen on this subject are those below. But I thought this might clarify the fact that Apple products wouldn't be covered for zero vat as they weren't specifically designed for disabled people. The link to the page on the HMRC site is below. 4.5 Other equipment and appliances “designed solely” for use by a disabled person 4.5.1 General You can zero rate the supply to an eligible customer as detailed in paragraph 3.1 of any other equipment and appliances that have been designed solely for use by disabled people. It is not sufficient for zero-rating that the equipment or appliance is merely destined or intended for use by a disabled person, or is mainly purchased by disabled persons. For example, general purpose equipment such as most computer hardware, ordinary or orthopaedic beds, orthopaedic or reclining chairs may benefit a disabled person, but are designed for general use or for use by disabled and able bodied people alike. Such products are not eligible for relief. Equipment which has been designed solely for use by a disabled people will remain eligible for relief even though they are available to be purchased by people who do not have a disability. VAT relief will however only apply to supplies which are made to eligible persons or bodies as detailed in paragraph 3.1. 4.5.2 Meaning of “designed solely for use by a disabled person” This means the original intention of the designer was to produce equipment or an appliance designed solely to meet the needs of persons with one or more disabilities. The design must succeed in that the product does in fact meet the needs of disabled persons. There are a number of conditions which may, but do not invariably result in disability - such as: ◾ asthma; ◾ psoriasis; and ◾ dyslexia. Equipment which meets the needs of people with such a condition will only qualify for zero-rating if designed solely for the purpose of meeting the needs of disabled sufferers of the condition. http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.p ortal?_nfpb=true_pageLabel=pageImport_ShowContentid=HMCE_CL_000184p ropertyType=document Peter -Original Message- From: Neil Barnfather - TalkNav Sent: Monday, December 17, 2012 4:45 PM To: viphone@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. Laura, Conflicting is not the word for it… I personally myself went into Apple Regents Street London, and bought 4 iPad's, 3 Mini's and a 4th Gen, and paid no VAT for any of them. The senior cashier specifically told me that the information could be found in the Apple Me documentation. This is apparently the system that all Apple employees have access to, it tells them how to be a good Apple bod. In this document it specifically states that only phones are excluded. Indeed, the chap showed me on his payment terminal how he could nil rate any
Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
Hello Louise, I concur with the sentiment that it should be across the whole of the company. We do have to accept the official ruling that I'm guessing the Milton Keynes store produced. How fitting for someone to prove to a VIP via the printed word. LOL If I understood it correctly, there's no point in showing HMRC documentation. As it is on the Apple system that is used to complete purchases where the Apple policy is written. Good luck. Gena On 30/12/2012 11:43, Louise Redsull wrote: Hi Gena, This issue is very interesting. The thing which confuses me is the discrepancies between stores. I tried the Milton Keynes store the other day and they brought down the documentation and could not identify this exemption. They listed exemptions for Nil VAT which included being a member of the forces from overseas or to buy medical equipment, being a charity also makes you exempt. I have no problem with people who have been lucky enough to get the vat discount though do feel it should be a policy across all apple stores rather than a postcode lottery. Jmo, Louise. -Original Message- From: viphone@googlegroups.com [mailto:viphone@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Georgina Joyce Sent: 25 December 2012 11:29 PM To: viphone@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. Hello, It is a nice one for lawyers to argue about. I guess Apple could argue that 4.5.2 was applicable. How does anyone know what the original intention was? What concerns me is that some potential recipients on this list and the access UK list are finding it difficult to accept. Surely, we should be helping each other and share the names of those stores that provide the exemption. Whether in the course in time they all do or if it's at the discretion of each manager, I don't know. But good luck to all those who have received it. Regent Square, Belfast and Trafford Centre. Let's just stop quoting legal stuff and support our fellow VIP in accessing IOS devices. After all, that is what this list is for. Gena On 25/12/2012 21:25, Peter Holdstock wrote: Hi, appologies as the only messages I've seen on this subject are those below. But I thought this might clarify the fact that Apple products wouldn't be covered for zero vat as they weren't specifically designed for disabled people. The link to the page on the HMRC site is below. 4.5 Other equipment and appliances “designed solely” for use by a disabled person 4.5.1 General You can zero rate the supply to an eligible customer as detailed in paragraph 3.1 of any other equipment and appliances that have been designed solely for use by disabled people. It is not sufficient for zero-rating that the equipment or appliance is merely destined or intended for use by a disabled person, or is mainly purchased by disabled persons. For example, general purpose equipment such as most computer hardware, ordinary or orthopaedic beds, orthopaedic or reclining chairs may benefit a disabled person, but are designed for general use or for use by disabled and able bodied people alike. Such products are not eligible for relief. Equipment which has been designed solely for use by a disabled people will remain eligible for relief even though they are available to be purchased by people who do not have a disability. VAT relief will however only apply to supplies which are made to eligible persons or bodies as detailed in paragraph 3.1. 4.5.2 Meaning of “designed solely for use by a disabled person” This means the original intention of the designer was to produce equipment or an appliance designed solely to meet the needs of persons with one or more disabilities. The design must succeed in that the product does in fact meet the needs of disabled persons. There are a number of conditions which may, but do not invariably result in disability - such as: ◾ asthma; ◾ psoriasis; and ◾ dyslexia. Equipment which meets the needs of people with such a condition will only qualify for zero-rating if designed solely for the purpose of meeting the needs of disabled sufferers of the condition. http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.p ortal?_nfpb=true_pageLabel=pageImport_ShowContentid=HMCE_CL_000184p ropertyType=document Peter -Original Message- From: Neil Barnfather - TalkNav Sent: Monday, December 17, 2012 4:45 PM To: viphone@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. Laura, Conflicting is not the word for it… I personally myself went into Apple Regents Street London, and bought 4 iPad's, 3 Mini's and a 4th Gen, and paid no VAT for any of them. The senior cashier specifically told me that the information could be found in the Apple Me documentation. This is apparently the system that all Apple employees have access to, it tells them how to be a good Apple bod. In this document it specifically states that only phones are excluded. Indeed, the chap showed me
Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
Hello, It is a nice one for lawyers to argue about. I guess Apple could argue that 4.5.2 was applicable. How does anyone know what the original intention was? What concerns me is that some potential recipients on this list and the access UK list are finding it difficult to accept. Surely, we should be helping each other and share the names of those stores that provide the exemption. Whether in the course in time they all do or if it's at the discretion of each manager, I don't know. But good luck to all those who have received it. Regent Square, Belfast and Trafford Centre. Let's just stop quoting legal stuff and support our fellow VIP in accessing IOS devices. After all, that is what this list is for. Gena On 25/12/2012 21:25, Peter Holdstock wrote: Hi, appologies as the only messages I've seen on this subject are those below. But I thought this might clarify the fact that Apple products wouldn't be covered for zero vat as they weren't specifically designed for disabled people. The link to the page on the HMRC site is below. 4.5 Other equipment and appliances “designed solely” for use by a disabled person 4.5.1 General You can zero rate the supply to an eligible customer as detailed in paragraph 3.1 of any other equipment and appliances that have been designed solely for use by disabled people. It is not sufficient for zero-rating that the equipment or appliance is merely destined or intended for use by a disabled person, or is mainly purchased by disabled persons. For example, general purpose equipment such as most computer hardware, ordinary or orthopaedic beds, orthopaedic or reclining chairs may benefit a disabled person, but are designed for general use or for use by disabled and able bodied people alike. Such products are not eligible for relief. Equipment which has been designed solely for use by a disabled people will remain eligible for relief even though they are available to be purchased by people who do not have a disability. VAT relief will however only apply to supplies which are made to eligible persons or bodies as detailed in paragraph 3.1. 4.5.2 Meaning of “designed solely for use by a disabled person” This means the original intention of the designer was to produce equipment or an appliance designed solely to meet the needs of persons with one or more disabilities. The design must succeed in that the product does in fact meet the needs of disabled persons. There are a number of conditions which may, but do not invariably result in disability - such as: ◾ asthma; ◾ psoriasis; and ◾ dyslexia. Equipment which meets the needs of people with such a condition will only qualify for zero-rating if designed solely for the purpose of meeting the needs of disabled sufferers of the condition. http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true_pageLabel=pageImport_ShowContentid=HMCE_CL_000184propertyType=document Peter -Original Message- From: Neil Barnfather - TalkNav Sent: Monday, December 17, 2012 4:45 PM To: viphone@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. Laura, Conflicting is not the word for it… I personally myself went into Apple Regents Street London, and bought 4 iPad's, 3 Mini's and a 4th Gen, and paid no VAT for any of them. The senior cashier specifically told me that the information could be found in the Apple Me documentation. This is apparently the system that all Apple employees have access to, it tells them how to be a good Apple bod. In this document it specifically states that only phones are excluded. Indeed, the chap showed me on his payment terminal how he could nil rate any Mac or iPad, but, when he added an iPhone 5 that had VAT. we could do any combo we liked, all was VAT nil rated, bar the iPhone. He read the section out of Apple Me which points out the exclusion for iPHones. I am still heavily arguing now with Apple as I have always bought from Apple online… this is not VAT nil rated nor are over the phone purchases, which seems wrong. Also, you can only get base models from Apple's physical stores, if you want to upgrade the Mac hardware you cannot do this either, again, I am arguing this… As it basically means that blind users are not entitled VAT nil rated to better machines. Regards, Neil Barnfather Talks List Administrator Twitter @neilbarnfather TalkNav is a Nuance, Code Factory and Sendero dealer, as well as an Apple iOS, Macintosh and Android accessibility specialist. For all your accessible phone, PDA and GPS related enquiries visit www.talknav.com URL: - www.talknav.com e-mail: - serv...@talknav.com Phone: - +44 844 999 4199 On 17 Dec 2012, at 16:27, Laura laura@gmail.com wrote: Neil, when did you get this information? I've just spoken to an Apple rep who says the terms and conditions state the exemption only applies to computers. I'm just curious if there's been an update recently, or if there's still
Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
Hi, appologies as the only messages I've seen on this subject are those below. But I thought this might clarify the fact that Apple products wouldn't be covered for zero vat as they weren't specifically designed for disabled people. The link to the page on the HMRC site is below. 4.5 Other equipment and appliances “designed solely” for use by a disabled person 4.5.1 General You can zero rate the supply to an eligible customer as detailed in paragraph 3.1 of any other equipment and appliances that have been designed solely for use by disabled people. It is not sufficient for zero-rating that the equipment or appliance is merely destined or intended for use by a disabled person, or is mainly purchased by disabled persons. For example, general purpose equipment such as most computer hardware, ordinary or orthopaedic beds, orthopaedic or reclining chairs may benefit a disabled person, but are designed for general use or for use by disabled and able bodied people alike. Such products are not eligible for relief. Equipment which has been designed solely for use by a disabled people will remain eligible for relief even though they are available to be purchased by people who do not have a disability. VAT relief will however only apply to supplies which are made to eligible persons or bodies as detailed in paragraph 3.1. 4.5.2 Meaning of “designed solely for use by a disabled person” This means the original intention of the designer was to produce equipment or an appliance designed solely to meet the needs of persons with one or more disabilities. The design must succeed in that the product does in fact meet the needs of disabled persons. There are a number of conditions which may, but do not invariably result in disability - such as: ◾ asthma; ◾ psoriasis; and ◾ dyslexia. Equipment which meets the needs of people with such a condition will only qualify for zero-rating if designed solely for the purpose of meeting the needs of disabled sufferers of the condition. http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true_pageLabel=pageImport_ShowContentid=HMCE_CL_000184propertyType=document Peter -Original Message- From: Neil Barnfather - TalkNav Sent: Monday, December 17, 2012 4:45 PM To: viphone@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. Laura, Conflicting is not the word for it… I personally myself went into Apple Regents Street London, and bought 4 iPad's, 3 Mini's and a 4th Gen, and paid no VAT for any of them. The senior cashier specifically told me that the information could be found in the Apple Me documentation. This is apparently the system that all Apple employees have access to, it tells them how to be a good Apple bod. In this document it specifically states that only phones are excluded. Indeed, the chap showed me on his payment terminal how he could nil rate any Mac or iPad, but, when he added an iPhone 5 that had VAT. we could do any combo we liked, all was VAT nil rated, bar the iPhone. He read the section out of Apple Me which points out the exclusion for iPHones. I am still heavily arguing now with Apple as I have always bought from Apple online… this is not VAT nil rated nor are over the phone purchases, which seems wrong. Also, you can only get base models from Apple's physical stores, if you want to upgrade the Mac hardware you cannot do this either, again, I am arguing this… As it basically means that blind users are not entitled VAT nil rated to better machines. Regards, Neil Barnfather Talks List Administrator Twitter @neilbarnfather TalkNav is a Nuance, Code Factory and Sendero dealer, as well as an Apple iOS, Macintosh and Android accessibility specialist. For all your accessible phone, PDA and GPS related enquiries visit www.talknav.com URL: - www.talknav.com e-mail: - serv...@talknav.com Phone: - +44 844 999 4199 On 17 Dec 2012, at 16:27, Laura laura@gmail.com wrote: Neil, when did you get this information? I've just spoken to an Apple rep who says the terms and conditions state the exemption only applies to computers. I'm just curious if there's been an update recently, or if there's still conflicting info being given out. Cheers. Laura -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe
Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
Now what is interesting here is that I have had this out with Apple… They insist that over the phone and internet sales cannot and do not apply. They will not offer this nil rated VAT status if you order over the net or phone. However, if you go into the store you will get your VAT nil rated on any Mac or iPad order. But not an iPhone. Also worth noting is that the VAT nil rating only applies to goods available in the store, so if you want to beef up your Mac you cannot, as that becomes a web order. Regards, Neil Barnfather Talks List Administrator Twitter @neilbarnfather TalkNav is a Nuance, Code Factory and Sendero dealer, as well as an Apple iOS, Macintosh and Android accessibility specialist. For all your accessible phone, PDA and GPS related enquiries visit www.talknav.com URL: - www.talknav.com e-mail: - serv...@talknav.com Phone: - +44 844 999 4199 On 16 Oct 2012, at 15:10, James Muirhead james.muirh...@ntlworld.com wrote: Sorry Alex, the vat exemption only applies to Apple computers. I checked at Apple Bluewater and, as usual the very helpful staff looked up the relevant article. However, there is almost some wriggle room as the iPhones could very easily be construed as computers. Maybe with the blurring of phone and computer definitions, we may be able to buy iPhones vat free. Regards James. On 16 Oct 2012, at 14:26, Alex Wallis wrote: Hi list, I just found out something interesting that I didn't know before. If your registered blind in the UK you can by apple products v a t free, so that means you get about 20 percent off. In the case of the iPhone 5 64 gb model this would save you about £140, I assume this applies to all apple products, given that they all include VoiceOver these days. I new about being able to get products specially designed for the visually impaired v a t free, but had no idea this applied to Apple. I rang my local store, and they were aware of this, I heard from someone else that the store in covent garden in London is also aware of this, but the person also said that the store in regents street wasn't aware of it, so it sounds like not all stores know about this, still its definitely worth knowing about. Hope people find the above information useful. Alex. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en.
Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
Neil, when did you get this information? I've just spoken to an Apple rep who says the terms and conditions state the exemption only applies to computers. I'm just curious if there's been an update recently, or if there's still conflicting info being given out. Cheers. Laura -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en.
Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
Laura, Conflicting is not the word for it… I personally myself went into Apple Regents Street London, and bought 4 iPad's, 3 Mini's and a 4th Gen, and paid no VAT for any of them. The senior cashier specifically told me that the information could be found in the Apple Me documentation. This is apparently the system that all Apple employees have access to, it tells them how to be a good Apple bod. In this document it specifically states that only phones are excluded. Indeed, the chap showed me on his payment terminal how he could nil rate any Mac or iPad, but, when he added an iPhone 5 that had VAT. we could do any combo we liked, all was VAT nil rated, bar the iPhone. He read the section out of Apple Me which points out the exclusion for iPHones. I am still heavily arguing now with Apple as I have always bought from Apple online… this is not VAT nil rated nor are over the phone purchases, which seems wrong. Also, you can only get base models from Apple's physical stores, if you want to upgrade the Mac hardware you cannot do this either, again, I am arguing this… As it basically means that blind users are not entitled VAT nil rated to better machines. Regards, Neil Barnfather Talks List Administrator Twitter @neilbarnfather TalkNav is a Nuance, Code Factory and Sendero dealer, as well as an Apple iOS, Macintosh and Android accessibility specialist. For all your accessible phone, PDA and GPS related enquiries visit www.talknav.com URL: - www.talknav.com e-mail: - serv...@talknav.com Phone: - +44 844 999 4199 On 17 Dec 2012, at 16:27, Laura laura@gmail.com wrote: Neil, when did you get this information? I've just spoken to an Apple rep who says the terms and conditions state the exemption only applies to computers. I'm just curious if there's been an update recently, or if there's still conflicting info being given out. Cheers. Laura -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en.
RE: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
In my humble opinion HMRC are going to work this out and jump on it at some point. Cheers Alex -Original Message- From: viphone@googlegroups.com [mailto:viphone@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Tara Prakash Sent: 17 October 2012 04:47 To: viphone@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. Let me find out and I will get back to you. - Original Message - From: Neil Barnfather - TalkNav for...@talknav.com To: viphone@googlegroups.com Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2012 3:06 PM Subject: Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. Tara, What store, specifically please, as I will get in touch... Regards, Neil Barnfather Talks List Administrator Twitter @neilbarnfather TalkNav is a Nuance, Code Factory and Sendero dealer, as well as an Apple iOS, Macintosh and Android accessibility specialist. For all your accessible phone, PDA and GPS related enquiries visit www.talknav.com URL: - www.talknav.com e-mail: - serv...@talknav.com Phone: - +44 844 999 4199 On 16 Oct 2012, at 18:49, Tara Prakash taraprak...@gmail.com wrote: I know someone who bought iPhone 4s in London and didn't have to pay VAT on it. Don't really know about legalities but this information about a blind person being exempted from vat on iPhone is accurate. Thanks - Original Message - From: Neil Barnfather - TalkNav for...@talknav.com To: viphone@googlegroups.com Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2012 9:53 AM Subject: Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. Dear Alex and All, I have, as this is very important, firstly checked with our internal finance team, and then with HMRC directly. You cannot, repeat cannot, get nil rated VAT relief on items purchased within the UK which are, so to speak, off the shelf none adaptive technologies. The simple rule of thumb is; if the item comes right off the shelf, and can be used without modification or alteration by the disabled person, then it does not qualify. Yes, the iPhone has Voice Over built into it, as do all Apple products, yet, the same inclusive or access technology is included in all of Apple's products. This is not a specific modification for the blind user. As such, Apple's products do not qualify for VAT nil rating under this section of law. They directed me to the below text, which I have, for ease, copied and pasted below. It should be noted, that if you obtain a product without paying VAT, where you should have, you are as liable as the vender. In other words, it is not a defence to say,'well, Apple gave me the VAT nil rating… Goods and services exempt from VAT In accordance with group 14 of the zero rate schedule to the value added tax act 1983. Blind and partially sighted people, and charities working on their behalf, can buy certain goods without paying VAT on them. This relief from VAT also extends to: - the provision of services to adapt items for use by, or to meet the needs of, a blind or partially sighted person - spare parts, accessories, repair and maintenance of such goods and adaptations. Goods which have been designed solely for use by disabled or blind and partially sighted people and which are for personal or domestic use only will be zero-rated for VAT. This would include such items as: - CCTV reading aids - braille display units - braille embossers - speech synthesiser units - speech output and character enlargement software. Computer systems which are specially designed and manufactured solely for the use of disabled people may qualify for a composite or reduced rate of VAT where components and software similar to the above are included in their manufacture. Training in the use of such computer systems may also qualify for a reduced rate of VAT for individuals where the equipment is used for personal or domestic use. You should check with your supplier regarding the amount of VAT to be charged when discussing purchase of you computer system. Relief does not apply to general purpose goods used by disabled people. Corrective spectacles and contact lenses are not relieved from VAT. If you need to have any general-purpose goods adapted to meet your needs as a disabled person, so that you can use them, anything you pay to have them adapted is exempt from VAT, but you would have to pay the normal rate of VAT on the goods themselves. Some building work may also be exempt from VAT, including: - ramps, doorways and passages - bathrooms, washrooms and lavatories - lifts. -ends- The last paragraph here is important, that the actual item itself is not nil rateable, only the adaption. Voice Over is not an adaption, it is not something specially installed for you, its there for any user, sighted or otherwise. Regards, Neil Barnfather Talks List Administrator Twitter @neilbarnfather TalkNav is a Nuance, Code Factory and Sendero dealer, as well as an
Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
Sorry Alex, the vat exemption only applies to Apple computers. I checked at Apple Bluewater and, as usual the very helpful staff looked up the relevant article. However, there is almost some wriggle room as the iPhones could very easily be construed as computers. Maybe with the blurring of phone and computer definitions, we may be able to buy iPhones vat free. Regards James. On 16 Oct 2012, at 14:26, Alex Wallis wrote: Hi list, I just found out something interesting that I didn't know before. If your registered blind in the UK you can by apple products v a t free, so that means you get about 20 percent off. In the case of the iPhone 5 64 gb model this would save you about £140, I assume this applies to all apple products, given that they all include VoiceOver these days. I new about being able to get products specially designed for the visually impaired v a t free, but had no idea this applied to Apple. I rang my local store, and they were aware of this, I heard from someone else that the store in covent garden in London is also aware of this, but the person also said that the store in regents street wasn't aware of it, so it sounds like not all stores know about this, still its definitely worth knowing about. Hope people find the above information useful. Alex. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en.
Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
so this is kept off list, if folk could write to me at serv...@talknav.com, and let me know which stores are doing this and factually that they have seen a friends receipt showing no VAT paid, or that they can absolutely be sure that their friend is being honest… This could help all of us here in the UK, so worth getting to the bottom of, I would stress though that I am beyond doubtful that this can be achieved. Regards, Neil Barnfather Talks List Administrator Twitter @neilbarnfather TalkNav is a Nuance, Code Factory and Sendero dealer, as well as an Apple iOS, Macintosh and Android accessibility specialist. For all your accessible phone, PDA and GPS related enquiries visit www.talknav.com URL: - www.talknav.com e-mail: - serv...@talknav.com Phone: - +44 844 999 4199 On 17 Oct 2012, at 04:46, Tara Prakash taraprak...@gmail.com wrote: Let me find out and I will get back to you. - Original Message - From: Neil Barnfather - TalkNav for...@talknav.com To: viphone@googlegroups.com Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2012 3:06 PM Subject: Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. Tara, What store, specifically please, as I will get in touch... Regards, Neil Barnfather Talks List Administrator Twitter @neilbarnfather TalkNav is a Nuance, Code Factory and Sendero dealer, as well as an Apple iOS, Macintosh and Android accessibility specialist. For all your accessible phone, PDA and GPS related enquiries visit www.talknav.com URL: - www.talknav.com e-mail: - serv...@talknav.com Phone: - +44 844 999 4199 On 16 Oct 2012, at 18:49, Tara Prakash taraprak...@gmail.com wrote: I know someone who bought iPhone 4s in London and didn't have to pay VAT on it. Don't really know about legalities but this information about a blind person being exempted from vat on iPhone is accurate. Thanks - Original Message - From: Neil Barnfather - TalkNav for...@talknav.com To: viphone@googlegroups.com Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2012 9:53 AM Subject: Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. Dear Alex and All, I have, as this is very important, firstly checked with our internal finance team, and then with HMRC directly. You cannot, repeat cannot, get nil rated VAT relief on items purchased within the UK which are, so to speak, off the shelf none adaptive technologies. The simple rule of thumb is; if the item comes right off the shelf, and can be used without modification or alteration by the disabled person, then it does not qualify. Yes, the iPhone has Voice Over built into it, as do all Apple products, yet, the same inclusive or access technology is included in all of Apple's products. This is not a specific modification for the blind user. As such, Apple's products do not qualify for VAT nil rating under this section of law. They directed me to the below text, which I have, for ease, copied and pasted below. It should be noted, that if you obtain a product without paying VAT, where you should have, you are as liable as the vender. In other words, it is not a defence to say,'well, Apple gave me the VAT nil rating… Goods and services exempt from VAT In accordance with group 14 of the zero rate schedule to the value added tax act 1983. Blind and partially sighted people, and charities working on their behalf, can buy certain goods without paying VAT on them. This relief from VAT also extends to: - the provision of services to adapt items for use by, or to meet the needs of, a blind or partially sighted person - spare parts, accessories, repair and maintenance of such goods and adaptations. Goods which have been designed solely for use by disabled or blind and partially sighted people and which are for personal or domestic use only will be zero-rated for VAT. This would include such items as: - CCTV reading aids - braille display units - braille embossers - speech synthesiser units - speech output and character enlargement software. Computer systems which are specially designed and manufactured solely for the use of disabled people may qualify for a composite or reduced rate of VAT where components and software similar to the above are included in their manufacture. Training in the use of such computer systems may also qualify for a reduced rate of VAT for individuals where the equipment is used for personal or domestic use. You should check with your supplier regarding the amount of VAT to be charged when discussing purchase of you computer system. Relief does not apply to general purpose goods used by disabled people. Corrective spectacles and contact lenses are not relieved from VAT. If you need to have any general-purpose goods adapted to meet your needs as a disabled person, so that you can use them, anything you pay to have them adapted is exempt from VAT, but you would have to pay the normal rate
Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
I'm late on this thread, but I want to thank Neil for clearing this up and telling the truth. I was suspicious when I have seen responses to this thread, because Neil is right, there is no modifications in all of the Apple products that are specifically for the blind. All products come with VoiceOver off the shelf, so nill rate VAT should not apply in this instance. Once again I thank you Neil for clearing this up and telling the truth. Christopher Hallsworth On 16/10/2012 14:26, Alex Wallis wrote: Hi list, I just found out something interesting that I didn't know before. If your registered blind in the UK you can by apple products v a t free, so that means you get about 20 percent off. In the case of the iPhone 5 64 gb model this would save you about £140, I assume this applies to all apple products, given that they all include VoiceOver these days. I new about being able to get products specially designed for the visually impaired v a t free, but had no idea this applied to Apple. I rang my local store, and they were aware of this, I heard from someone else that the store in covent garden in London is also aware of this, but the person also said that the store in regents street wasn't aware of it, so it sounds like not all stores know about this, still its definitely worth knowing about. Hope people find the above information useful. Alex. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en.
You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
Hi list, I just found out something interesting that I didn't know before. If your registered blind in the UK you can by apple products v a t free, so that means you get about 20 percent off. In the case of the iPhone 5 64 gb model this would save you about £140, I assume this applies to all apple products, given that they all include VoiceOver these days. I new about being able to get products specially designed for the visually impaired v a t free, but had no idea this applied to Apple. I rang my local store, and they were aware of this, I heard from someone else that the store in covent garden in London is also aware of this, but the person also said that the store in regents street wasn't aware of it, so it sounds like not all stores know about this, still its definitely worth knowing about. Hope people find the above information useful. Alex. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en.
Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
Alex, Where did you hear this and what section of VAT law are they referring to, as unless something has changed in the past 24 hours, this is 100% incorrect. Regards, Neil Barnfather Talks List Administrator Twitter @neilbarnfather TalkNav is a Nuance, Code Factory and Sendero dealer, as well as an Apple iOS, Macintosh and Android accessibility specialist. For all your accessible phone, PDA and GPS related enquiries visit www.talknav.com URL: - www.talknav.com e-mail: - serv...@talknav.com Phone: - +44 844 999 4199 On 16 Oct 2012, at 14:26, Alex Wallis alexwallis...@googlemail.com wrote: Hi list, I just found out something interesting that I didn't know before. If your registered blind in the UK you can by apple products v a t free, so that means you get about 20 percent off. In the case of the iPhone 5 64 gb model this would save you about £140, I assume this applies to all apple products, given that they all include VoiceOver these days. I new about being able to get products specially designed for the visually impaired v a t free, but had no idea this applied to Apple. I rang my local store, and they were aware of this, I heard from someone else that the store in covent garden in London is also aware of this, but the person also said that the store in regents street wasn't aware of it, so it sounds like not all stores know about this, still its definitely worth knowing about. Hope people find the above information useful. Alex. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en.
Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
Dear Alex and All, I have, as this is very important, firstly checked with our internal finance team, and then with HMRC directly. You cannot, repeat cannot, get nil rated VAT relief on items purchased within the UK which are, so to speak, off the shelf none adaptive technologies. The simple rule of thumb is; if the item comes right off the shelf, and can be used without modification or alteration by the disabled person, then it does not qualify. Yes, the iPhone has Voice Over built into it, as do all Apple products, yet, the same inclusive or access technology is included in all of Apple's products. This is not a specific modification for the blind user. As such, Apple's products do not qualify for VAT nil rating under this section of law. They directed me to the below text, which I have, for ease, copied and pasted below. It should be noted, that if you obtain a product without paying VAT, where you should have, you are as liable as the vender. In other words, it is not a defence to say,'well, Apple gave me the VAT nil rating… Goods and services exempt from VAT In accordance with group 14 of the zero rate schedule to the value added tax act 1983. Blind and partially sighted people, and charities working on their behalf, can buy certain goods without paying VAT on them. This relief from VAT also extends to: - the provision of services to adapt items for use by, or to meet the needs of, a blind or partially sighted person - spare parts, accessories, repair and maintenance of such goods and adaptations. Goods which have been designed solely for use by disabled or blind and partially sighted people and which are for personal or domestic use only will be zero-rated for VAT. This would include such items as: - CCTV reading aids - braille display units - braille embossers - speech synthesiser units - speech output and character enlargement software. Computer systems which are specially designed and manufactured solely for the use of disabled people may qualify for a composite or reduced rate of VAT where components and software similar to the above are included in their manufacture. Training in the use of such computer systems may also qualify for a reduced rate of VAT for individuals where the equipment is used for personal or domestic use. You should check with your supplier regarding the amount of VAT to be charged when discussing purchase of you computer system. Relief does not apply to general purpose goods used by disabled people. Corrective spectacles and contact lenses are not relieved from VAT. If you need to have any general-purpose goods adapted to meet your needs as a disabled person, so that you can use them, anything you pay to have them adapted is exempt from VAT, but you would have to pay the normal rate of VAT on the goods themselves. Some building work may also be exempt from VAT, including: - ramps, doorways and passages - bathrooms, washrooms and lavatories - lifts. -ends- The last paragraph here is important, that the actual item itself is not nil rateable, only the adaption. Voice Over is not an adaption, it is not something specially installed for you, its there for any user, sighted or otherwise. Regards, Neil Barnfather Talks List Administrator Twitter @neilbarnfather TalkNav is a Nuance, Code Factory and Sendero dealer, as well as an Apple iOS, Macintosh and Android accessibility specialist. For all your accessible phone, PDA and GPS related enquiries visit www.talknav.com URL: - www.talknav.com e-mail: - serv...@talknav.com Phone: - +44 844 999 4199 On 16 Oct 2012, at 14:26, Alex Wallis alexwallis...@googlemail.com wrote: Hi list, I just found out something interesting that I didn't know before. If your registered blind in the UK you can by apple products v a t free, so that means you get about 20 percent off. In the case of the iPhone 5 64 gb model this would save you about £140, I assume this applies to all apple products, given that they all include VoiceOver these days. I new about being able to get products specially designed for the visually impaired v a t free, but had no idea this applied to Apple. I rang my local store, and they were aware of this, I heard from someone else that the store in covent garden in London is also aware of this, but the person also said that the store in regents street wasn't aware of it, so it sounds like not all stores know about this, still its definitely worth knowing about. Hope people find the above information useful. Alex. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en. -- You received
re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
Hi Neel and list, well I can see you have done thorough research, but my question is why have three separate apple stores told different people that they can by apple products vat free? I would suggest the fact apple includes VoiceOver means they have adapted the product to be useful to the visually impaired. I suggest this issue should be investigated further, as we already know apple stores have mixed training about this, so its quite possible HMRC might be giving out inaccurate information as well. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en.
Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
I know someone who bought iPhone 4s in London and didn't have to pay VAT on it. Don't really know about legalities but this information about a blind person being exempted from vat on iPhone is accurate. Thanks - Original Message - From: Neil Barnfather - TalkNav for...@talknav.com To: viphone@googlegroups.com Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2012 9:53 AM Subject: Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. Dear Alex and All, I have, as this is very important, firstly checked with our internal finance team, and then with HMRC directly. You cannot, repeat cannot, get nil rated VAT relief on items purchased within the UK which are, so to speak, off the shelf none adaptive technologies. The simple rule of thumb is; if the item comes right off the shelf, and can be used without modification or alteration by the disabled person, then it does not qualify. Yes, the iPhone has Voice Over built into it, as do all Apple products, yet, the same inclusive or access technology is included in all of Apple's products. This is not a specific modification for the blind user. As such, Apple's products do not qualify for VAT nil rating under this section of law. They directed me to the below text, which I have, for ease, copied and pasted below. It should be noted, that if you obtain a product without paying VAT, where you should have, you are as liable as the vender. In other words, it is not a defence to say,'well, Apple gave me the VAT nil rating… Goods and services exempt from VAT In accordance with group 14 of the zero rate schedule to the value added tax act 1983. Blind and partially sighted people, and charities working on their behalf, can buy certain goods without paying VAT on them. This relief from VAT also extends to: - the provision of services to adapt items for use by, or to meet the needs of, a blind or partially sighted person - spare parts, accessories, repair and maintenance of such goods and adaptations. Goods which have been designed solely for use by disabled or blind and partially sighted people and which are for personal or domestic use only will be zero-rated for VAT. This would include such items as: - CCTV reading aids - braille display units - braille embossers - speech synthesiser units - speech output and character enlargement software. Computer systems which are specially designed and manufactured solely for the use of disabled people may qualify for a composite or reduced rate of VAT where components and software similar to the above are included in their manufacture. Training in the use of such computer systems may also qualify for a reduced rate of VAT for individuals where the equipment is used for personal or domestic use. You should check with your supplier regarding the amount of VAT to be charged when discussing purchase of you computer system. Relief does not apply to general purpose goods used by disabled people. Corrective spectacles and contact lenses are not relieved from VAT. If you need to have any general-purpose goods adapted to meet your needs as a disabled person, so that you can use them, anything you pay to have them adapted is exempt from VAT, but you would have to pay the normal rate of VAT on the goods themselves. Some building work may also be exempt from VAT, including: - ramps, doorways and passages - bathrooms, washrooms and lavatories - lifts. -ends- The last paragraph here is important, that the actual item itself is not nil rateable, only the adaption. Voice Over is not an adaption, it is not something specially installed for you, its there for any user, sighted or otherwise. Regards, Neil Barnfather Talks List Administrator Twitter @neilbarnfather TalkNav is a Nuance, Code Factory and Sendero dealer, as well as an Apple iOS, Macintosh and Android accessibility specialist. For all your accessible phone, PDA and GPS related enquiries visit www.talknav.com URL: - www.talknav.com e-mail: - serv...@talknav.com Phone: - +44 844 999 4199 On 16 Oct 2012, at 14:26, Alex Wallis alexwallis...@googlemail.com wrote: Hi list, I just found out something interesting that I didn't know before. If your registered blind in the UK you can by apple products v a t free, so that means you get about 20 percent off. In the case of the iPhone 5 64 gb model this would save you about £140, I assume this applies to all apple products, given that they all include VoiceOver these days. I new about being able to get products specially designed for the visually impaired v a t free, but had no idea this applied to Apple. I rang my local store, and they were aware of this, I heard from someone else that the store in covent garden in London is also aware of this, but the person also said that the store in regents street wasn't aware of it, so it sounds like not all stores know about this, still its definitely worth knowing about. Hope people find the above information useful. Alex. -- You received
RE: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
Hello listers, I know someone who obtained their iPhone at discount, but who knows how the discount was worked? I guess it depends whom the store assistant is. The upshot is, that despite the fact that temptation might come our way, we should not fall for it; who knows who might find out. Regards, Mike -Original Message- From: viphone@googlegroups.com [mailto:viphone@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Alex Wallis Sent: 16 October 2012 16:04 To: viphone@googlegroups.com Subject: re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. Hi Neel and list, well I can see you have done thorough research, but my question is why have three separate apple stores told different people that they can by apple products vat free? I would suggest the fact apple includes VoiceOver means they have adapted the product to be useful to the visually impaired. I suggest this issue should be investigated further, as we already know apple stores have mixed training about this, so its quite possible HMRC might be giving out inaccurate information as well. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en.
Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
Tara, What store, specifically please, as I will get in touch... Regards, Neil Barnfather Talks List Administrator Twitter @neilbarnfather TalkNav is a Nuance, Code Factory and Sendero dealer, as well as an Apple iOS, Macintosh and Android accessibility specialist. For all your accessible phone, PDA and GPS related enquiries visit www.talknav.com URL: - www.talknav.com e-mail: - serv...@talknav.com Phone: - +44 844 999 4199 On 16 Oct 2012, at 18:49, Tara Prakash taraprak...@gmail.com wrote: I know someone who bought iPhone 4s in London and didn't have to pay VAT on it. Don't really know about legalities but this information about a blind person being exempted from vat on iPhone is accurate. Thanks - Original Message - From: Neil Barnfather - TalkNav for...@talknav.com To: viphone@googlegroups.com Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2012 9:53 AM Subject: Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. Dear Alex and All, I have, as this is very important, firstly checked with our internal finance team, and then with HMRC directly. You cannot, repeat cannot, get nil rated VAT relief on items purchased within the UK which are, so to speak, off the shelf none adaptive technologies. The simple rule of thumb is; if the item comes right off the shelf, and can be used without modification or alteration by the disabled person, then it does not qualify. Yes, the iPhone has Voice Over built into it, as do all Apple products, yet, the same inclusive or access technology is included in all of Apple's products. This is not a specific modification for the blind user. As such, Apple's products do not qualify for VAT nil rating under this section of law. They directed me to the below text, which I have, for ease, copied and pasted below. It should be noted, that if you obtain a product without paying VAT, where you should have, you are as liable as the vender. In other words, it is not a defence to say,'well, Apple gave me the VAT nil rating… Goods and services exempt from VAT In accordance with group 14 of the zero rate schedule to the value added tax act 1983. Blind and partially sighted people, and charities working on their behalf, can buy certain goods without paying VAT on them. This relief from VAT also extends to: - the provision of services to adapt items for use by, or to meet the needs of, a blind or partially sighted person - spare parts, accessories, repair and maintenance of such goods and adaptations. Goods which have been designed solely for use by disabled or blind and partially sighted people and which are for personal or domestic use only will be zero-rated for VAT. This would include such items as: - CCTV reading aids - braille display units - braille embossers - speech synthesiser units - speech output and character enlargement software. Computer systems which are specially designed and manufactured solely for the use of disabled people may qualify for a composite or reduced rate of VAT where components and software similar to the above are included in their manufacture. Training in the use of such computer systems may also qualify for a reduced rate of VAT for individuals where the equipment is used for personal or domestic use. You should check with your supplier regarding the amount of VAT to be charged when discussing purchase of you computer system. Relief does not apply to general purpose goods used by disabled people. Corrective spectacles and contact lenses are not relieved from VAT. If you need to have any general-purpose goods adapted to meet your needs as a disabled person, so that you can use them, anything you pay to have them adapted is exempt from VAT, but you would have to pay the normal rate of VAT on the goods themselves. Some building work may also be exempt from VAT, including: - ramps, doorways and passages - bathrooms, washrooms and lavatories - lifts. -ends- The last paragraph here is important, that the actual item itself is not nil rateable, only the adaption. Voice Over is not an adaption, it is not something specially installed for you, its there for any user, sighted or otherwise. Regards, Neil Barnfather Talks List Administrator Twitter @neilbarnfather TalkNav is a Nuance, Code Factory and Sendero dealer, as well as an Apple iOS, Macintosh and Android accessibility specialist. For all your accessible phone, PDA and GPS related enquiries visit www.talknav.com URL: - www.talknav.com e-mail: - serv...@talknav.com Phone: - +44 844 999 4199 On 16 Oct 2012, at 14:26, Alex Wallis alexwallis...@googlemail.com wrote: Hi list, I just found out something interesting that I didn't know before. If your registered blind in the UK you can by apple products v a t free, so that means you get about 20 percent off. In the case of the iPhone 5 64 gb model this would save you about £140, I
Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
Wow!... I'll be on the phone to them soon! - Original Message - From: Alex Wallis alexwallis...@googlemail.com To: viphone@googlegroups.com Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2012 2:26 PM Subject: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. Hi list, I just found out something interesting that I didn't know before. If your registered blind in the UK you can by apple products v a t free, so that means you get about 20 percent off. In the case of the iPhone 5 64 gb model this would save you about £140, I assume this applies to all apple products, given that they all include VoiceOver these days. I new about being able to get products specially designed for the visually impaired v a t free, but had no idea this applied to Apple. I rang my local store, and they were aware of this, I heard from someone else that the store in covent garden in London is also aware of this, but the person also said that the store in regents street wasn't aware of it, so it sounds like not all stores know about this, still its definitely worth knowing about. Hope people find the above information useful. Alex. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en.
RE: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
I've never heard of that anyway. As far as I'm concerned the price of an app is the price of an app which everyone pays, blind or otherwise. -Original Message- From: viphone@googlegroups.com [mailto:viphone@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Alex Wallis Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2012 4:04 PM To: viphone@googlegroups.com Subject: re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. Hi Neel and list, well I can see you have done thorough research, but my question is why have three separate apple stores told different people that they can by apple products vat free? I would suggest the fact apple includes VoiceOver means they have adapted the product to be useful to the visually impaired. I suggest this issue should be investigated further, as we already know apple stores have mixed training about this, so its quite possible HMRC might be giving out inaccurate information as well. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en.
RE: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
Oh true. I forgot about that rule. Apple products and most of the Apple apps are not specifically for the blind, so ... -Original Message- From: viphone@googlegroups.com [mailto:viphone@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Neil Barnfather - TalkNav Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2012 4:38 PM To: viphone@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. Alex, I suspect I'm afraid that it is the wrong way around at Apple's stores. HMRC are correct, their articles state so, their people state so, the RNIB web-site states so, my experience and understanding states so, as do my qualified certified auditors. Apple will just be getting confused. they've likely been told by a client and its gone around like Chinese whispers. I will though, for good measure ring one of these Apple stores in question to see what they have to say. As stated though in my earlier detailed message, the case speaks for itself. When you consider the rules on nil rating VAT. The item can only be considered for nil rating where it is exclusively built for the blind, or, where a modification is done to it to make it usable. The modification is not a modification if it is a feature for all users, irrespective of disability. In this instance, every iPHone since the 3GS has had Voice Over installed, and as such, the phones are not nil rateable under these conditions. OK, now I've just phoned the three main London Apple Stores that I could think of off the top of my head. Two stated that they have heard of this, but, that the reduction of VAT is something that would be the responsibility of the customer to arrange, that they had no facility to lower their prices. Other than of course by the known discounts offered by Apple directly. So that clears it up, if you went and bought your phone from Apple, then submitted the relevant claim form to HMRC, they would reject it on the bases that you would have to declare that no modification has taken place to your phone beyond standard manufacturing methods and the standard product specification. Regards, Neil Barnfather Talks List Administrator Twitter @neilbarnfather TalkNav is a Nuance, Code Factory and Sendero dealer, as well as an Apple iOS, Macintosh and Android accessibility specialist. For all your accessible phone, PDA and GPS related enquiries visit www.talknav.com URL: - www.talknav.com e-mail: - serv...@talknav.com Phone: - +44 844 999 4199 On 16 Oct 2012, at 16:03, Alex Wallis alexwallis...@googlemail.com wrote: Hi Neel and list, well I can see you have done thorough research, but my question is why have three separate apple stores told different people that they can by apple products vat free? I would suggest the fact apple includes VoiceOver means they have adapted the product to be useful to the visually impaired. I suggest this issue should be investigated further, as we already know apple stores have mixed training about this, so its quite possible HMRC might be giving out inaccurate information as well. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the VIPhone Google Group. To search the VIPhone public archive, visit http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/. To post to this group, send email to viphone@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone?hl=en.
Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind.
Let me find out and I will get back to you. - Original Message - From: Neil Barnfather - TalkNav for...@talknav.com To: viphone@googlegroups.com Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2012 3:06 PM Subject: Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. Tara, What store, specifically please, as I will get in touch... Regards, Neil Barnfather Talks List Administrator Twitter @neilbarnfather TalkNav is a Nuance, Code Factory and Sendero dealer, as well as an Apple iOS, Macintosh and Android accessibility specialist. For all your accessible phone, PDA and GPS related enquiries visit www.talknav.com URL: - www.talknav.com e-mail: - serv...@talknav.com Phone: - +44 844 999 4199 On 16 Oct 2012, at 18:49, Tara Prakash taraprak...@gmail.com wrote: I know someone who bought iPhone 4s in London and didn't have to pay VAT on it. Don't really know about legalities but this information about a blind person being exempted from vat on iPhone is accurate. Thanks - Original Message - From: Neil Barnfather - TalkNav for...@talknav.com To: viphone@googlegroups.com Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2012 9:53 AM Subject: Re: You can by apple products in the UK VAT free if your blind. Dear Alex and All, I have, as this is very important, firstly checked with our internal finance team, and then with HMRC directly. You cannot, repeat cannot, get nil rated VAT relief on items purchased within the UK which are, so to speak, off the shelf none adaptive technologies. The simple rule of thumb is; if the item comes right off the shelf, and can be used without modification or alteration by the disabled person, then it does not qualify. Yes, the iPhone has Voice Over built into it, as do all Apple products, yet, the same inclusive or access technology is included in all of Apple's products. This is not a specific modification for the blind user. As such, Apple's products do not qualify for VAT nil rating under this section of law. They directed me to the below text, which I have, for ease, copied and pasted below. It should be noted, that if you obtain a product without paying VAT, where you should have, you are as liable as the vender. In other words, it is not a defence to say,'well, Apple gave me the VAT nil rating… Goods and services exempt from VAT In accordance with group 14 of the zero rate schedule to the value added tax act 1983. Blind and partially sighted people, and charities working on their behalf, can buy certain goods without paying VAT on them. This relief from VAT also extends to: - the provision of services to adapt items for use by, or to meet the needs of, a blind or partially sighted person - spare parts, accessories, repair and maintenance of such goods and adaptations. Goods which have been designed solely for use by disabled or blind and partially sighted people and which are for personal or domestic use only will be zero-rated for VAT. This would include such items as: - CCTV reading aids - braille display units - braille embossers - speech synthesiser units - speech output and character enlargement software. Computer systems which are specially designed and manufactured solely for the use of disabled people may qualify for a composite or reduced rate of VAT where components and software similar to the above are included in their manufacture. Training in the use of such computer systems may also qualify for a reduced rate of VAT for individuals where the equipment is used for personal or domestic use. You should check with your supplier regarding the amount of VAT to be charged when discussing purchase of you computer system. Relief does not apply to general purpose goods used by disabled people. Corrective spectacles and contact lenses are not relieved from VAT. If you need to have any general-purpose goods adapted to meet your needs as a disabled person, so that you can use them, anything you pay to have them adapted is exempt from VAT, but you would have to pay the normal rate of VAT on the goods themselves. Some building work may also be exempt from VAT, including: - ramps, doorways and passages - bathrooms, washrooms and lavatories - lifts. -ends- The last paragraph here is important, that the actual item itself is not nil rateable, only the adaption. Voice Over is not an adaption, it is not something specially installed for you, its there for any user, sighted or otherwise. Regards, Neil Barnfather Talks List Administrator Twitter @neilbarnfather TalkNav is a Nuance, Code Factory and Sendero dealer, as well as an Apple iOS, Macintosh and Android accessibility specialist. For all your accessible phone, PDA and GPS related enquiries visit www.talknav.com URL: - www.talknav.com e-mail: - serv...@talknav.com Phone: - +44 844 999 4199 On 16 Oct 2012, at 14:26, Alex Wallis alexwallis...@googlemail.com wrote: Hi list, I just found out something interesting that I didn't know before. If your registered blind in
