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Requesting VAT Refunds
Summary: stackerp5 asked the eBay community about experiences with VAT refund requests for international purchases, highlighting an issue with being charged 20% VAT instead of the correct 5% for collectible coins. tommystrezures suggested contacting customer services, although stackerp5 found them unhelpful initially. papso22 and *vyolla* expressed skepticism about eBay's role in VAT refunds. Eventually, stackerp5 reported that the issue was resolved after escalation to an eBay International Shipping specialist, resulting in a successful refund.
Hello eBay community. I am wondering if people have requested VAT refunds for international purchases and have any experiences with it.
I have recently made purchases of two collectible coins from international sellers in the USA, and they have been safely delivered.
VAT was automatically charged at 20% during checkout, and due to the nature of the coins (collectibles, medieval/ancient) according to HMRC they fall under special VAT of 5%.
I have submitted all the evidence according to their guidance: https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/buying/paying-items/paying-tax-ebay-purchases?id=4771#section5
I was wondering if anybody in the community has had experience with this process.
My question is, how long is the turnaround time expected for this to be processed by eBay?
It's already been at least a week and I haven't received any confirmation emails or evidence that they have received or started analysing my claims. This is evidence I would need if I end up having to contact HMRC directly for the refund, as I have spoken to HMRC who have told me to try and resolve with the company first.
TIA
-stackerp5
*vyolla*
Mentor3 months agoYou'd reclaim this from HMRC, it's nothing to do with eBay.
stackerp5
OP2 months agoYou are incorrect. eBay have just refunded me. I had to get it escalated to an eBay International Shipping (eIS) specialist who honoured the VAT as per the law and processed the refund.
*vyolla*
Mentor2 months agoMarvellous, well done.
papso22
Mentor3 months agoI am not sure this is a refund ebay will make. I suspect the system is set up for 20% VAT across the board, so it's not a mistake, it's just the way it is.
stackerp5
OP3 months agoI appreciate your opinion but your comment fails to answer the question, and incorrectly assumes eBay does not make this type of refund. The question is not about it being a mistake, or why things are "the way they are", nor it is a question of whether eBay do these types of refunds or not. It is about the process and time that takes for things to be processed and refunded.
While you are right in assuming 20% VAT is charged for all items, ebay's own guidance (which is linked in my original question) states that:
"How VAT is calculated
VAT is calculated on the order total including item price, shipping and any additional costs such as insurance.
The standard UK VAT rate is 20%, although reduced rates of 5% and 0% may apply to certain items as defined by the UK legislation. More information about UK VAT on gov.uk: VAT rates."
...and then proceeds to offer a way to claim a refund on VAT overpayment:
"Request a VAT refund
To request a VAT refund on a completed order, please login and upload proof of overpayment."
tommystrezures
Mentor3 months agoThe honest answer is I don't know, its probably like asking how long is a bit of string.
All I would suggest to "gee" up the process is perhaps give Customer Services a ring, to ensure that they have the documentation etc and ask them or get them to ask someone.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/eua?id=5190
The link above will get you a call back, but it only works on your phone, not on the desktop.
stackerp5
OP3 months agoThank you for the comment. I have contacted them via call before purchasing as I noticed I was being charged 20%, but they were not helpful and did not understand what I was talking about. The caller also sounded like he was half asleep which did not help either.
Prior to purchasing I re-read HMRC documentation and contacted them, and was told I must try and claim from eBay first. Fortunately they offer this service, but as mentioned, there is no more information around it or any sort of confirmation email etc.
I might send an email or message to Support that can possibly be escalated, and hopefully I can get a recorded response from someone who is more specialised. Unfortunately they do not provide direct contact information for this process/department.
However, it seems contacting them directly may be the only way to gain some more information. I will keep this question open in case someone else has experienced this and can give some better insight.
tommystrezures
Mentor3 months agoCs is always better first thing in the morning as you have a much better chance of getting someone in Dublin.
stackerp5
OP2 months ago · EditedJust had this issue resolved. Calling did not work, and had to be escalated to an eBay International Shipping (eIS) specialist via email after a few email exchanges with uninformed staff. The eIS are not available/contactable by phone. Unfortunately the general customer service staff are not informed enough and were supplying copy-pasted information that did not relate to my issue.