VAT on small items under £135 in UK

[jamies_taylor]

I have ordered a £20 (€25) item from a German seller, shipped to the UK via Deutsche Post. eBay charged €7 VAT (€5 on the item + €2 on €10 shipping), claiming it was remitted to the UK government. Is this actually sent to the UK authorities, and is it linked to the tracking number? Can I reclaim the VAT if it hasn’t been paid?

[ft16]

Originally Posted by jamies_taylor

I have ordered a £20 (€25) item from a German seller, shipped to the UK via Deutsche Post. eBay charged €7 VAT (€5 on the item + €2 on €10 shipping), claiming it was remitted to the UK government. Is this actually sent to the UK authorities, and is it linked to the tracking number? Can I reclaim the VAT if it hasn’t been paid?

Yes it is paid to HMRC and no can't claim it back if you're not VAT registered

[philby]

I assumed VAT was only collected if the item's value is ABOVE a certain amount, am I wrong?

[ft16]

Originally Posted by philby

I assumed VAT was only collected if the item's value is ABOVE a certain amount, am I wrong?

Yes, low-value consignment relief was abolished in 2021, online marketplaces must now collect VAT on orders under £135 originating outside the UK

[jamies_taylor]

Thanks for the clarification. My friend suggested me use this VAT calculator help me a lot

[mon73]

Yes, the VAT eBay charged should be sent to the UK government.

There's no direct link between the VAT payment and the tracking number visible to you. eBay collects and remits the VAT separately from the package delivery.

You cannot reclaim the VAT if eBay has already collected and remitted it. If the VAT hasn't been paid, eBay wouldn't have charged it in the first place. Since they charged you, it's presumed they're handling the remittance.