Self Build VAT Claim Service

One of the many advantages to building your own home is reclaiming the VAT at the end of the project. Ledger Services can prepare and submit the claim on your behalf, The main points to note with regard to the refund process are:
 

• You can make a claim for a new house or an ordinary private domestic residence, and you will need detailed proof of VAT paid on all the goods for which a claim is to be made. Therefore retain all your receipts in a safe place, and check they have provided a VAT number if you have been charged VAT.
   
• The claim must be made within three months of the building being completed and you can only make one claim, and so it is important to get it right the first time. You can make a claim for most of the goods and materials bought from a VAT registered supplier, which are incorporated into the building or the site. A useful tip is to consider having storage built in, as part of the build process rather than shopping for the wardrobes later, this way you can claim the VAT whilst adhering to certain rules regarding the design.
   
• Make sure that you undertake all qualifying work before the main dwelling is completed. Materials for hard landscaping for the driveway, main paths to and from your new dwelling, retaining walls, patios and even conservatories are all eligible for VAT relief, providing it is completed during the construction of the dwelling - so don't leave this work until it is too late.
   
• You cannot claim for furniture, carpets, curtains, white goods, trees and plants, nor for burglar alarms, professional services, equipment hire, transport of materials and tools used.

HM Customs & Excise publish a very good guide on this - VAT Refunds for do-it-yourself Builders, dated January 1996 and under Notice 719. This clearly explains who is eligible, how to make a claim and what can be claimed.

Ledger services offer a full VAT service for new build, (please note this is only for self builders, not commercial developers or general construction companies.) We can offer advice from inception of your project right through to completing and submitting the return for you. Alternatively if you have already embarked on your project, are nearing completion and just can't face getting involved with HM Customs & Excise you can simply pass us your receipts and we will do the rest.

Please contact us or call on 0845 2576905 to discuss how we can prepare and submit all the relevant paperwork on your behalf.