VAT Exemption Scheme
Are you considering a mobility bathroom from Bathing Safety? Did you know that there’s a government VAT exemption scheme that could save you quite a lot of money?
We’ll explain precisely what this is, how it works, and how to claim it.
Making sure that your home is easier to live in when you have a disability can help to improve your health, wellbeing, and of course – your safety. That’s why here at Bathing Safety, we’re proud of what we’ve achieved in the homes of thousands of customers in and around the South East.
And, there’s extremely good news: if you qualify for the VAT exemption scheme, any services or equipment you buy from us are 0% rated (rather than 20%).
How Does it Work?
In brief, disabled people do not have to pay VAT if they buy items or equipment that specifically and directly support their have been designed solely to support their disability needs. Or, with regard to the adaptation of existing equipment to make it usable.
Further, you will be exempt from VAT on certain services if you are disabled. For example, some building work to adapt your home and the hire of certain items – like wheelchairs, for instance.
The phrase we use is “zero rated”, or “eligible for VAT relief”.
Who is Eligible for the VAT Exemption Scheme?
The law states that anyone who is “chronically sick or disabled” can qualify for VAT relief. This means that one or more of the following applies to you:
- Firstly, you have a physical or mental ailment that has a long-term and severe effect on your ability to carry out your daily activities.
- You have a condition that doctors treat as a chronic sickness. For example, diabetes.
- You are terminally ill.
How Do I Claim VAT Relief?
Don’t worry. It’s very straightforward, and you don’t have to pay upfront and claim it back. We will apply the exemption at point of sale.
We’ll email you a form, and you will need to make a simple declaration regarding the nature of your disability when you order. Bathing Safety requires that you provide the name and address of the person in question – which in most cases will most likely be yourself.
You will NOT have to furnish us or anyone else with medical proof to support your exemption claim. Neither do you have to be registered disabled in order to qualify for VAT-free goods and services.
Prices on our Website
Just to offer transparency, do be aware that all the prices displayed on this website are exclusive of VAT. The reason for this is because we nearly always supply goods and services to customers who are eligible for the VAT relief. If you do not qualify, of course, you will have to pay VAT.
Bathing Safety makes neither more nor less money on goods that either are, or aren’t VAT-free
For More Information
Refer to this page on the HMRC website: Financial help if you’re disabled
Or, you can call the Charities Helpline, which covers VAT relief for disabled people on 0300 123 1073.
