VAT Relief

Claiming VAT Relief for Customers with a Disability or Chronic Illness

United Kingdon (UK) and Eurpean Union (EU) residents can claim VAT relief on designated VAT exempt products by completing the simple form which is available online when checking out on our website OR by completeing the form below for in store purchases. Many products in our store are available with VAT relief. This is however providing that the user of the product/products is an individual with a chronically illness or disability and the goods being purchased are designed to aid his/her illness or disability.    Only those products which are designed specifically to aid a disability or an illness are eligible for VAT relief.   The price of all products is displayed showing both exclusive and inclusive of VAT. Those products which are eligible for VAT Relief display a banner on the image stating “VAT Relief.”  Where this banner is not displayed, then VAT relief will not be applied to that item at the checkout stage.

Products available for VAT Relief

Products available for relief include aids designed or modified solely for use by people with a disability such as wheelchairs, electric beds and chairs, walking aids, daily living aids, medical devices and products designed for the care or treatment of incontinence.  All items which are eligible for VAT relief in our online store have a red banner in the product image stating “VAT Relief”.       Some examples of products that are not eligible for VAT relief include standard high back chairs, easy recliners with no rise function,  Gel / AGM batteries.   Carriage and postage is also not eligible for VAT relief.  However we are able to zero rate services and repairs carried out on disability equipment when criteria is met.

How do I claim VAT Relief When Ordering Online?

In order to claim to claim a product with VAT relief, simply select the goods you wish to purchase and proceed to the check out. You will then be asked to state the name of the person who is claiming VAT relief and the nature of the claimants’ illness or disability.    Anybody can claim VAT relief on behalf of the disabled / sick person provided they state the claimants name at the declaration stage.

Registered Charities

VAT relief is also available to registered charities when eligible products are purchased on behalf of a disabled individual or series of individuals.   To claim vat relief please simply tick the exemption box and complete your registered charity number in the box.  We will confirm the registered charity number prior to zero rating the VAT.

Where do I claim VAT relief when making a purchase online?

Simply proceed to the check out where you will be guided through step by step. You must tick the box declaring that you are exempt and then state the reason why in the boxes provided. All Boxes must be completed in full, the boxes will state “optional” as VAT relief is not compulsory to everyone who is purchasing eligible goods therefore it is not required that you complete the information. Should you wish to avail of VAT relief you MUST complete all boxes in full and in as much detail as possible to declare the disability or chronic condition.

Do I have to be registered disabled to claim VAT relief?

No, the individual does not have to be registered disabled.   You must however have a disability and it must be connected to the product you are purchasing to claim relief.

Do I need a letter from my Doctor to claim VAT relief on medical products to help with my chronic illness?

No, we do not require a require a doctor’s note.   You must however complete the declaration form at check out stage.

Why am I being charged VAT on the carriage/postage charge?

Everybody has to pay VAT on shipping/carriage/ postage and it is not eligible for relief

Further Information

If you have any queries on VAT relief for disabled or chronically ill persons, please click here to visit the HM Revenue & Customs guide to VAT relief for disabled persons.  All VAT advice including conditions for VAT relief for those in other EC states or outside of the EC can be view HMRC VAT Notice 701/7 here.  If you have any further queries regarding VAT relief please email us on info@customcrutches.co.uk.