VAT Exemption on Disability Products accessible Word document
Overview
Disabled people may be entitled to claim Value-Added Tax (VAT) relief on disability goods and services that are designed for use by disabled people. This info guide explains who can apply for VAT relief and what products and services are eligible.
In general, disabled people do not have to pay VAT on goods and services that are designed/ or adapted solely for use by disabled people. These goods and services are often called ‘zero-rated’ or ‘eligible for VAT relief’
For the supplies of goods and services to be zero-rated, all of the following conditions must be met:
- The customer is eligible to purchase supplies at the zero rate
- The goods are for the personal or domestic use of the customer
- The goods and services are eligible to be supplied at the zero rate
How to get VAT free products
To get the product VAT free your disability has to qualify. For VAT purposes, you’re disabled or have a long-term illness if:
- you have a physical or mental impairment that affects your ability to carry out everyday activities, for example blindness
- you have a condition that’s treated as chronic sickness, like diabetes
- you’re terminally ill
This definition does not include an elderly person who is otherwise able-bodied or any person who is only temporarily disabled or incapacitated, such as with a broken limb. Similarly, any services purchased which apply specifically to disabled people are eligible for VAT relief. These include the repair and maintenance of disability equipment, disabled home adaptations and disabled equipment hire.
What goods and services and eligible?
This is not a complete list of eligible equipment but the following may be included:
- wheelchairs; adjustable beds
- stair lifts
- computer hardware/software designed for disabled people
- kitchen/household aids.
It also includes the purchase of any vehicle that has been wheelchair (power or manual) adapted. The adaption of the vehicle must be substantial and permanent. The hire of an adapted vehicle from Motability is also included in the scheme.
How do I claim?
The vast majority of suppliers will know if their product has been specifically designed to help disabled people. They will offer their products free of VAT at the point of sale. You’ll need to confirm in writing that you meet these conditions. Your supplier may give you a form for this. Most suppliers will use the Notice 701/7 VAT reliefs for disabled people form
If you are shopping online, the supplier or manufacturer should have an online copy of the declaration form, which you can then fill in as you make your purchase.
Reduced rate VAT on mobility aids for older people
If you are aged over 60 years and have a qualifying mobility aid supplied and installed in their own home, or a home shared with friends or relations.
Your supplier should know about the reduced rate and apply it. You qualify if:
- you’re over 60 when the product is supplied or installed
- the product is installed – you don’t get the reduced rate if you just buy it
- the product is for a private home, e.g. your own home or one shared with friends or relatives (a residential care home doesn’t qualify)
You don’t have to order and pay for the aid and installation yourself, it can be ordered and paid for by someone else, or a charity, local authority, housing association or any other organisation.
You can get reduced rate of VAT on the supply and installation of these items:
- grab rails
- ramps
- stair lifts
- bath lifts
- built-in shower seats or showers containing built-in shower seats
- walk in baths with sealed doors
Repairs of these goods once they have been installed are not eligible for VAT relief and can only be reduced rated VAT if they are supplied and installed by the same company.
For more information see the mygov.scot website.
Further information and useful contacts
HM Revenue and Customs Disabled VAT Relief helpline
Tel: 0300 123 1073
Please note- when you call this number it will take you through to the HMRC Charities helpline. Listen to the options and press 5 for queries relating to VAT relief for individual disabled people.
Information last updated on 17 February 2021. Please note that information may be subject to change. All information is provided in good faith but Disability Information Scotland does not endorse any product or service referred to within this resource.
If you would like this information guide in another version then please contact us and we will post or email you a copy.
Aids, Equipment and Adaptations, Consumer Information:Frequently Asked Questions
Through our helpline we receive enquiries spanning a wide range of different topics. Here is a selection of those most asked:
How can I get an adaptation made to my house?
Housing adaptations can increase your independence and reduce the risk of an accident at home
If you or someone you live with is disabled you may qualify for help with adaptations such as:
- replacing a bath with a level access shower
- making it easier to get in and out of the house by widening doors or making a ramp
- fitting lower worktops in a kitchen
Smaller adaptions can also be made:
- fitting a grab rail
- a shower chair so you can shower more safely
To have an assessment of what help you qualify for, what may be free and what you may have to pay for, contact your local Social Work Department (or NHS Highland in Highland) and ask for a Care needs assessment.
For further information see our Disabled Home Adaptations Information Guide.
Am I eligible for VAT relief on disability equipment?
In general, disabled people do not have to pay VAT on goods and services that are designed or adapted solely for use by disabled people. These goods and services are often called zero-rated or eligible for VAT relief.
Most suppliers will know if their product has been specifically designed to help disabled people. They will offer their products free of VAT as you buy them.
You’ll need to confirm in writing that you meet the conditions for zero rating. Your supplier may give you a form for this.
Most suppliers will use the Notice 701/7 VAT relief for disabled people form.
For further information see our VAT Exemption for Disabled Goods Information Guide or call our helpline on 0300 323 9961.
How do I hire a mobility scooter or wheelchair on holiday?
Shopmobility have members throughout the UK who rent out wheelchairs and scooters to help people access shopping centres and leisure activities. You can find a list of their members here Find a ShopMobility Centre | ShopMobility UK
In Wales, Northern Ireland and England you may be able to rent a wheelchair from the Red Cross Rent or hire a wheelchair | British Red Cross
The website Mobility Equipment Hire Direct connects you to commercial suppliers in the UK and across the world.
You can search for local providers in Scotland using our Scottish Disability Directory or contact us and one of our information workers can help you search.
For further information on hiring equipment away from home check out our Accessible Holidays Information Guide
I’m struggling getting in and out of my bath, is there any support that I can get?
People often call us because they are struggling with getting in and out of the bath. The first step would be to contact your local social work department (or NHS Highland in Highland) to arrange a care needs assessment. You might qualify for an adaptation such as a walk in shower in your bathroom. For more information see our Assessment of Needs Information Guide.
Aids, Equipment and Adaptations, Consumer Information:Search for Local Organisations
Our quick search tool can connect you to over 3000 service providers, suppliers and organisations supporting people across Scotland. To find support near you, simply enter your search term and select your local authority.