WELCOME TO OUR SELF-BUILD - RECLAIMING VAT PROJECT
This project is presented by Self Build Self Help
Summary: How to claim back VAT on a self build. Advice on the best way to complete your project
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Under certain circumstances it is possible to claim the vat back on the cost of your self build.
One of the great advantages of undertaking a new build, and one of the main reasons it is so cost efficient, is the fact that materials and labour are zero rated for VAT. You will have to pay out VAT on your materials during the build but one of the most pleasant tasks of building your own home is making a VAT repayment claim once it is complete!
To make a claim, you must do this within 3 months of the building's completion (this is usually when you receive the "certificate of completion" that will be issued by your local planning authority). There are no second chances with this process as you only get one shot at it. The importance of keeping all your paper work now comes into effect as you will need to detailed information e.g. receipts etc.... The use of a spreadsheet can come in very handy in this situation. As you only get one chance you will need to get it right first time. If you miss any receipts or other cost evidence then you will have missed out.
You should not be paying out VAT on labour so scrutinise your invoices from your contractors to ensure that they are not charging you that extra 17.5% (15% after 1st December 2008, for a 13 month period).
Conversions are also zero rated but, unlike new build, you do have to pay out VAT on labour costs, although you can reclaim this at the end of the project.
The same VAT rules which apply to conversions also apply to renovations if they have been unoccupied for at least 10 years.
You can make a claim if the new house is 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.
The claim must be made within three months of the building being completed and you only get one chance to claim, so you need to get it right 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. You cannot claim for furniture, carpets, curtains, white goods, trees and plants, nor for burglar alarms, professional services such as architects fees, equipment hire, transport of materials and tools used.
HM Customs & Excise publish a very good guide on this matter - 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.
This form can be viewed and even downloaded by clicking on the image below.
Some very useful links for self build information.
Calculators
Mortgage repayment
Mortgage amount
Special reports
House prices
Interest rates
Related sections
Mortgages
Moving home
Useful links
The Housing Corporation
Independent housing ombudsman
UK housing information resource
National Association of Estate Agents
Council of Mortgage Lenders
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