All About VAT
Value Added Tax (VAT) is a consumption tax levied on goods and services at a rate of 20%. Our website displays prices both including and excluding VAT.
Those that are "chronically sick or disabled" are able to purchase or hire mobility equipment free of VAT. This equipment must be bought or hired for the personal and domestic use of the VAT free person. VAT free status applies to both the cost of either hiring or purchasing the equipment, and also the delivery and collection charge, should there be one.
According to HM Revenue and Customs a person is "chronically sick or disabled" if he/she is a person:
with a physical or mental impairment which has a long-term and substantial adverse effect upon his/her ability to carry out everyday activities; or
with a condition which the medical profession treats as a chronic sickness, such as diabetes; or
who is terminally ill.
It does not include a frail elderly person who is otherwise able-bodied or any person who is only temporarily disabled or incapacitated, such as with a broken limb. We find that the main category of people who don't quality for VAT free status are those looking to hire a wheelchair or other mobility equipment to aid short-term recovery from an injury.
If you do not have to pay VAT, then we will need to know your condition, so that we have a record of it.
If you do not qualify for VAT free status on your hire or purchase, then we will have to add the VAT charge onto the cost.