Thanks to all who replied on and off list, I had some really useful mails and have spoken to HMRC. In case anyone is interested HMRC directed me to:
http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageVAT_ShowContent&id=HMCE_CL_000238&propertyType=document It seems not-for-profits can accept donated goods and claim VAT relief at the time of import instead of paying VAT and trying to claim it back. They were even fairly positive that our equipment would be eligible under their rules. Unfortunately though you have to fit the conditions (section 2.1). So the problem is that we're not donating the equipment to a UK based charity (registered with the charity commission). I think I will probably suggest Nigel's recommendation of re-posting with "No commercial value" and adding "CHARITY ITEMS: RELIEF CLAIMED" (as suggested in section 3.3). Followed by crossing fingers and toes :-) Thanks again, Emma On 20 January 2014 14:46, Christian de Larrinaga <[email protected]> wrote: > yup grasping at last straws... > > Nigel Titley wrote: > > On 20/01/2014 14:37, Christian de Larrinaga wrote: > >> Hi Emma, > >> > >> TALK about History repeating itself! > >> > >> I wonder if you cite this project is part of the TIP project (1975) of > >> Peter Kirstein they might waive the VAT? > >> See slide 24 in > >> http://www0.cs.ucl.ac.uk/staff/p.kirstein/talks/Arpahistorytalk.ppt > >> > >> The VAT Saga > >> > >> By late 1975, Treasury decided VAT on original TIP was payable > >> Could be reversed only by political decision > >> > >> After much more argument,Treasury agreed to my arguments and stated: > >> > >> All present and future imports under this project would be free of VAT > >> and Duty > >> Allowed us to maintain control of project > >> ........\ > >> > >> ... HMRC might be tough to convince this shipment is part of TIP > though.. > >> > >> If you want I am prepared to talk to them if you get in touch with the > >> case details (shipping invoice, case reference, etc) > >> There might just be a glimmer > >> > >> > >> How charities can import goods VAT-free > >> > >> http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/charities/vat/import.htm > >> > >> This looks phrased for a UK registered charity not a US NFP. Worth a > >> call but I am not confident. > >> > > Don't think this helps. It applies to things like items donated to a > > charity for the relief of distress and suffering. And as you say, it > > applies to registered UK charities > > > > Nigel > > > > > >
