Ebay have been adding 20% VAT on imported goods that are zero rated in the UK - such as books. This was because they misinterpreted the HMRC guidelines. No other book seller such as Amazon, Biblio, Abe etc have made this error. It is illegal and fraudulent to add VAT to a zero rated item. Ebay now have a huge backlog of complaints, but rather than come clean and refund the money they are denying culpability and witholding refunds until they get refunded themselves by HMRC who, surprise, surprise, are not being very helpful.
If this has happened to you raise a case by calling customer support. You won't get refunded any time soon, but the more people complain sooner or later Ebay with have to pay up.
