JPS Chartered Surveyors is required to charge UK VAT at the standard rate on all lots sold at auction unless a valid VAT exemption applies. If you intend to export your purchase outside the UK, the supply may be eligible for VAT zero-rating under HMRC VAT Notice 703, but only if all of the following conditions are met.
Before the auction or at collection, you must:
1. Declare in writing (email or signed form) that the goods are for export, before collection. Verbal declarations are not accepted.
2. Be an overseas person - not UK resident, not UK VAT-registered, and not operating from a UK place of business that makes taxable supplies.
3. Pay the invoice in full, including UK VAT at the standard rate. JPS will hold the VAT element as a refundable deposit pending receipt of valid export evidence.
Within 3 months of the auction date (HMRC time limit), you must provide JPS with:
- Official evidence (customs export declaration / Goods Departure Message from CDS) or commercial evidence (bill of lading, airway bill, CMR, freight forwarder's certificate of shipment); and
- Supplementary evidence (purchase invoice, your written order, the goods description and quantity, route, mode of transport, date the goods left the UK).
On receipt and verification of valid evidence, JPS will refund the VAT element, less any bank charges incurred. If evidence is not received within 3 months, the VAT becomes non-refundable.
Restrictions:
- The goods must not be used in the UK before export.
- Personal goods carried in accompanied baggage do not qualify for zero-rating via this route - speak to us about Merchandise in Baggage procedures before bidding.
- Private cars and certain other categories are already zero-rated and do not require this process.
For any questions, contact [email protected] before bidding.