Vat notice 708

[Sunshine12]

Hi, sorry if posted in wrong section.

I am trying to understand the process when a property has been empty for over 2 years. I understand some of the works will attract 5% VAT instead of 20% if the contractor is VAT registered. The house needs complete renovation.

I tried to call HMRC today for clarification on this, after a 55 minute wait I got cut off

So could someone please explain to me do I actually need to obtain a certificate? Or is the letter from the council saying that the house has been empty for over 2 years enough?

Have many contractors heard of this or am I going to have problems?

Is it okay to use for the window company who are supplying & fitting?

Any advice appreciated

 

[bernardgreen]

Information about VAT Notice 708 is here

https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...ion/vat-notice-708-buildings-and-construction

 

[WabbitPoo]

s'amazing what you find with that Google thing

 

[bernardgreen]

It is even more "amazing" that one year after I bought a listed cottage the VAT rules changed and basically removed the exemption from VAT for renovation of listed buildings.

 

[oldbutnotdead]

Your local council will have an Empty Homes Officer (yeah I was amazed)- get onto him/her, a letter from them confirming the empty period is all you need.

 

[Sunshine12]

'Wabbitpoo' there's no need to be rude. I have read through those pages and am still not sure exactly of the regulations so excuse me for asking on a building forum for help.

To everyone else, I have a letter from the council to confirm that the property has been empty for 2 years. Is this all I need to show to contractors? Or is there some sort of certificate/notice that I need to apply for?

 

[oldbutnotdead]

That's all you need. Be worth having a copy of that VAT notice handy to show your contractor as well.

 

[Sunshine12]

That's all you need. Be worth having a copy of that VAT notice handy to show your contractor as well.

Apologies, when you say have a copy of the notice to hand do you mean that actual letter from the council or is there some sort of other document 'notice' that I need to obtain? Sorry!

 

[oldbutnotdead]

Nah, I meant VAT Notice 708- some contractors may not be aware of the existence of the scheme or how it works in detail

 

[Sunshine12]

Nah, I meant VAT Notice 708- some contractors may not be aware of the existence of the scheme or how it works in detail

Got you thanks! Is it well known in the building trade or am I going to have to convince people?

 

[denso13]

You will need to issue a certificate - it's all explained in Vat Notice 708.