[access-uk] Re: VAT Back on Laptopos/Netbooks and Computers when Purchasing Screen Readers and from Companies Dealing with Software and Hardware for the Blind

  • From: "Eleanor Burke" <eleanorburke@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Tue, 2 Nov 2010 18:43:57 -0000

Fair enough thank you Glenn.

Eleanor
----- Original Message ----- From: "Glenn Tookey" <Glenn.Tookey@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> 
To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, November 02, 2010 6:38 PM
Subject: [access-uk] Re: VAT Back on Laptopos/Netbooks and Computers when Purchasing Screen Readers and from Companies Dealing with Software and Hardware for the Blind
You cannot claim VAT back, Vat exemption can only be claimed at point of sale. The goods have to be adapted with a qualifying product - the only guidance I have seen is around computer processors. John Lewis or the likes will not sell any of the qualifying software and I imagine will have no knowledge of this HMRC ruling in the retail shop. 


-----Original Message-----
From: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Eleanor Burke 
Sent: 01 November 2010 22:32
To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [access-uk] Re: VAT Back on Laptopos/Netbooks and Computers when Purchasing Screen Readers and from Companies Dealing with Software and Hardware for the Blind 

Fair point Andy, say I as one who have had adaptations to front panels of
washing machine, cooker and tumble dryer. Indeed it never occured to me re 
VAT back.  I was not wishing to start a huge discussion re VAT, just
checking out in line with what was said about 10 days ago. I am quite happy 
to purchase my netbook from John Lewis and will probably do so tomorrow.

Eleanor
----- Original Message ----- From: "ANDY COLLINS" <Andy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> 
To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, November 01, 2010 9:13 PM
Subject: [access-uk] Re: VAT Back on Laptopos/Netbooks and Computers when
Purchasing Screen Readers and from Companies Dealing with Software and
Hardware for the Blind



I think there's a bigger argument to make for having a charity, say the
RNIB paying for the adaptive technology blind people need. As things stand, 
we have to some how find a way of buying our screen reading software, that
doesn't mean that when we then use it, we can get back the vat off the
computer we use it on, but just the screen reading software itself. I had
the front panel of my washing machine changed so that I can independently
do my own laundry, so the machine was adapted for my use, but this didn't
mean I could get the vat back off the price of the machine.

Andy
----- Original Message ----- From: "Eleanor Burke" <eleanorburke@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> 
To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, November 01, 2010 8:27 PM
Subject: [access-uk] Re: VAT Back on Laptopos/Netbooks and Computers when
Purchasing Screen Readers and from Companies Dealing with Software and
Hardware for the Blind



I agree with what you say Andy but we will never know, would I have a PC
if I was not visually impaired, possibly but all I know at present is that 
it is what I use for writing and reading.
----- Original Message ----- From: "ANDY COLLINS" <Andy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> 
To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, November 01, 2010 8:24 PM
Subject: [access-uk] Re: VAT Back on Laptopos/Netbooks and Computers when 
Purchasing Screen Readers and from Companies Dealing with Software and
Hardware for the Blind



I've not been convinced yet that this would be accepted, I think only
the screen reader would be exempt from vat; after all, the computer
isn't being modified or adapted, it is still as it was, it's just that a piece of software has been installed, nothing else. Seems strait forward common sense to me! I think as blind people, we let ourselves down if we 
keep trying to make a special case for everything.

Andy
----- Original Message ----- From: "Peter Holdstock" <peterholdstock@xxxxxxx> 
To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, November 01, 2010 6:39 PM
Subject: [access-uk] Re: VAT Back on Laptopos/Netbooks and Computers
when Purchasing Screen Readers and from Companies Dealing with Software
and Hardware for the Blind



So getting a PC vendor to either install NVDA or another free screen
reader, or at least say they have should suffice then?

peter

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Mark Faben" <mark.faben@xxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, November 01, 2010 4:11 PM
To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [access-uk] Re: VAT Back on Laptopos/Netbooks and Computers
when Purchasing Screen Readers and from Companies Dealing with Software 
and Hardware for the Blind


As far as I recall, The VAT reduction can only be applied at the time
of purchase, and only on goods specifically covered by the HMRC's
rules regards VAT reduction  on goods and services for the disabled.

So, as I understood it, this means the VAT reduction applies
specifically to certain goods designed specifically for the disabled;
E.g., in our case a screen reader, Braille display, but also things
like induction loops and wheelchairs etc. In the case of purchasing a
computer, netbook etc., with adaptive software on it, this then means
that the hardware concerned has been adapted, and so, only at the time 
of purchase, does that hardware also come under the regulations for
applying VAT excemption to goods and services for the disabled. A PC,
netbook etc., isn't something specifically for a disabled person, only when it carries adaptations is it rendered so, and so the reduction is 
only applied when the rules regarding the VAT reduction are met,
namely only at time of purchase, and when the goods concerned are
either specifically for a disabled person, or adapted in  such a way
to thereby be so.

Remembering back, this situation is somewhat differnt I think from
what it used to be; It basically cleared up a big mess that existed
where certain bits of equipment/software  were eligible for the VAT
excemption and certain bits were not; So in that respect it simplified 
the process for both the person purchasing the equipment/software and
also for the suppliers.

Mark Faben.

On 01/11/2010, Eleanor Burke <eleanorburke@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Andy I am fairly sure that Mr Tookey said that at the time of
purchase of
the software and laptop, VAT is given off the laptop also. He did go 
on to
say that perhaps prices were not as competative as in the High Street 
shops.
 Now I may have this wrong and may have misunderstood but I do not
think so.

Eleanor
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: ANDY COLLINS
  To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  Sent: Monday, November 01, 2010 3:41 PM
  Subject: [access-uk] Re: VAT Back on Laptopos/Netbooks and
Computers when
Purchasing Screen Readers and from Companies Dealing with Software
and
Hardware for the Blind


  Eleanor - you only get the vat back on the specialist equipment,
such as a
screen reader, I don't think that being preinstalled or otherwise
makes a
difference -

  Andy
    ----- Original Message -----
    From: Eleanor Burke
    To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    Sent: Monday, November 01, 2010 3:13 PM
    Subject: [access-uk] VAT Back on Laptopos/Netbooks and Computers
when
Purchasing Screen Readers and from Companies Dealing with Software
and
Hardware for the Blind


    A week or more back Glenn Tookey responded to a question about
VAT back
when a computer/laptop/netbook was purchased along with screen
readers etc.
Hope you all remember.  Steve Nutt was surprised at Glenn's response
as I
recall.  Now my question is this.  I have the special screen readers
but now
I require a netbook so why should I not be able to purchase my
netbook and
install my software and qualify for the VAT reduction?  Does this
mean that
only when software is purchased such as screen readers can there be a 
VAT
reduction?  Isn't that silly as the lifespan of our screen readers
can be
greater than that of our computers or we may require an additional
netbook?
It is then a partial lipservice to the VAT reduction for blind
people. Now
how about if I were to purchase my netbook from one of these
companies who
provide screen readers then they will have me registered as a user of 
their
software and would then know that my purchase of netbook was for me
as a
blind person. I could even add to that by installing my software and 
then
registering that I had done so.  I say this as many people will come
back to
me saying that there is no reason why I might not as a blind person
purchase
a computer/laptop or netbook for a sighted person. However, if there 
was
proof that I had installed my specalist software then surely I should 
be
entitled to the VAT reduction?

    Eleanor



--
Mark Faben

Web: http://www.accessibilitytester.com

Music: http://www.music.accessibilitytester.com
E-Mail: mark.faben@xxxxxxxxx

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mark-faben/12/a2/25b
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