IMPORT VAT PAID UPFRONT

[make-my-day-357]

I bought an item on ebay uk and because it was an australian seller I also had to pay VAT upfront on the total cost of the item and the shipping charge. So I considered that all above board and I even checked that the amount of VAT at 20% being added was correct and it was !!

So why have I now received a request from Royal Mail to pay import VAT + the Royal Mail handling fee on the item that I have already paid the VAT on ?

Also the amount I am being asked to pay does not even represent the value of the item I bought !!!

Can anyone help please ?

[*vyolla*]

Presumably the item was below £135?

If so, and you're being asked to pay import VAT again by Royal Mail, it sounds like your seller may have written the address label out themselves and omitted the code that shows that the fee has been paid upfront (the code is automatically added to a label purchased via eBay).

Maybe ask them if they know what's going on here, but I feel that you're going to end up paying to receive your item, claiming the duplicate VAT payment back from HMRC but losing the Royal Mail £8 fee (which you can't claim back).

[make-my-day-357]

You are very kind for helping me so Thank You Kindly for your time -

The item plus postage Totals $214.55 AUS Dollars (£107.97) which as said I paid 20% VAT on being $42.91 AUS Dollars (£21.59).

So, it is a total mystery as how Customs or Royal Mail come up with the £8.95 VAT that they want (+£8.00 handling fee) - I have paid the demand because I want my Blu-ray Box Set, But I feel conned and it will put me of buying internationally in future.

[*vyolla*]

That really is rather odd, I do wonder if the seller has left the code off then and perhaps under declared the value.

You won't know until you receive it and get to view the label.

[make-my-day-357]

Thank You Very Much - I will try and work out what's happened when it arrives - I think I just have to accept these extra charges, fortunately it isn't any more than the £16.95 - All The Best to You !!