• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Claiming back VAT

E

ElizaKate

Newbie
Messages
4
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
I have been told that I can claim back vat on any goods that I buy for my Type 2 diabetes. How do I do this? I usually buy from Amazon but cannot see any mention of claiming back vat. Any advice would be appreciated.
 
I’ve never claimed VAT when ordering from Amazon but found this for you

About Items Eligible for 0% VAT in the UK - Amazon Customer Service

In the United Kingdom, the VAT rate is 0% on a number of select items, including books, children's clothing and safety gear.
www.amazon.co.uk

VAT Refunds for Disabled or Chronically Ill Persons​

Amazon can issue VAT refunds on eligible sales to customers who are registered disabled or chronically ill. To apply for your VAT refund, after your order has been completed, you'll need to fill out an eligibility declaration form which can be requested from our Customer Service department or obtained directly from HMRC (HMRC Notice 701/7 VAT reliefs for disabled people). Please send the completed form to us via the following address:



Amazon UK Services Ltd
1 Principal Place
Worship Street
London
EC2A 2FA
United Kingdom

Alternatively, you can submit the form via email, in PDF format, to b2b-refund@amazon.co.uk.

If you're in any doubt as to whether you're eligible to receive goods or services zero-rated for VAT you should consult HMRC.
 
ElizaKate said:
I have been told that I can claim back vat on any goods that I buy for my Type 2 diabetes
Click to expand...
Hi @ElizaKate sorry don't mean to put a fly in the ointment, you're profile says Type 2 diet control only.

As far as I am aware as you are not on medication this does not meet the legal definition of a disability under the Equality Act 2010. Type 2 diabetes controlled by diet alone is generally not considered a disability under UK law.

As set out in Metroline Travel Ltd v Stoute (2015) in this case a bus driver (Mr Stout) was fired for gross misconduct - for diverting his bus to buy chicken kebabs. Not going to go into the details here but this set the legal president set by Employment Tribunal Decision, diet controlled Type 2 is not considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010.

Sorry I don't think that is what you wanted to hear.
 
Whilst just having diabetes doesn’t meet the definition under the equality act according to the HMRC website it is sufficient for HMRC. The product you are buying has to qualify as well.

Financial help if you're disabled

Financial help if you're disabled - benefits, housing costs, council tax, vehicle tax exemption, TV Licence, motability schemes, VAT relief
www.gov.uk

People with diabetes are VAT exempt on diabetes products. Read about VAT exemption and download a VAT exemption claim form.

People with diabetes are VAT exempt on diabetes products. Read about VAT exemption and download a VAT exemption claim form.
www.diabetes.co.uk

Updated to correct an autocorrect error.
 
I get Dexcom CGMs with VAT relief, you only have to declare you have diabetes not whether you take any meds to claim an exemption.
What @There is no Spoon says is not relevant in this case, you just need to buy supplies direct from a diabetes supplier who have a tick box for your VAT exemption declaration, rather than Amazon.

Edit to add, you don’t even have to claim the VAT back this way as you don’t have to pay it in the first place!
 
I agree with @Rachox, you don’t need to say what your meds are just your condition, I claim vat from the tee2 site for test strips & I’ve claimed in Boots as well, both for myself re test strips, hubby for things he needs for his condition that you can’t get on prescription.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn More.…