VAT & listed buildings – possibly some good news!
For once, good news emanating from HMRC, who have just re-written their internal guidance on the topic of construction - their reference V1-8A. Within it, they state that double glazing and secondary glazing can, potentially, be zero rated as alterations. This is wonderful news as they have hitherto refused to accept zero rating, except in very limited circumstances.
To recap - the work would have to be carried out on a listed qualifying building, be subject to Listed Building Consent and be an "alteration". Dictionary definition - "make something different, change". Their narrow view, thus far, is that it simply isn't an alteration. In fact, in a recent case that, as far as I know, is still heading for the First Tier Tax Tribunal they maintain that it is "repair and maintenance of the building as a whole". I've found a dictionary definition of "repair" and find "...restore to good condition after damage or wear.." I think not.
It's difficult for me to lose my natural cynicism, and as a result I have emailed HMRC to ask them if they really mean it.
Watch this space.
Update 9 November2011: HMRC didn't cover themselves in glory, with their response.
I asked "Does it mean what I think it says?"
They replied:
“Thank you for your enquiry dated 20 October 2011. I understand that your query relates to work to a listed building.
HM Revenue and Customs will only provide a ruling (Clearance) if after consulting the relevant guidance there is demonstrable uncertainty about how a transaction should be treated. Guidance on how to apply for a Clearance is available via the HMRC website www.hmrc.gov.uk, at the following address: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/cap/links-dec07.htm”
Not immensely helpful, but I persevered and received something that would pass, in a dim light, as a reasonable answer:
“I can confirm that HMRC policy has not changed, each case is considered individually and as long as all the conditions have been met in relation to altering the fabric of a listed building zero rating can be applied.”
I have a couple of letters on file from HMRC, last year, in which they state that double glazing and secondary glazing are NOT regarded as alterations so I'll leave you to decide whether anyone is being economical with the truth.
Sunday Times article about listed buildings
I've thus far resisted the temptation to turn this blog into a Mr Angry column, but I've got to record an element of displeasure about an article about listed buildings that appeared in the Sunday Times a couple of weeks ago. It contained an incorrect statement about VAT, attributed to me.
A few days before it appeared, I had a call from one Rosie Millard who is apparently a journalist and media person. She wanted to know about VAT and listed buildings, and I duly obliged with answering her questions. The scenario she asked me about was refurbishing a derelict building that had been empty for a number of years. I told her that this would be zero rated for 'alterations' and 5% VAT for repairs. She was in a bit of a rush and I wasn't confident that she had understood what I was saying, so I asked her to let me see what she was going to write. She refused.
Yes, you guessed, she got it wrong and blithely told the world that repairs to listed buildings are liable at 5% VAT. And since then I have had a large number of calls from listed building owners asking me if I really meant what I allegedly said. Needless to say, I have pointed out who the real culprit was.
I did email Ms Millard to point out her error, but she has not replied.
Rant over. [Until the next time someone annoys me...]
Listed Property Show – 20th and 21st February 2010
Once again I am headed off to Olympia in London for the Listed Property Show, for two days of providing one-to-one advice to those who perchance own a listed building. In addition, I will be giving a couple of talks about the riveting subject of VAT, which will doubtless provoke interest, boredom, or even sleep in equal measure amongst the audience. If you wish to enjoy the other delights on show please do not be put off by the VAT angle. It is an interesting show, including talks, demonstrations and displays by craftsmen and others with a particular interest in listed buildings - and it's free!
National Home Improvement Show – Earls Court
I have been asked to participate in the National Home Improvement Show at Earls Court in London, which takes place between the 2nd and 4th of October 2009. I will be part of the Listed Property Owners Club stand, in the Period Living Pavilion, and also presenting a short talk about VAT relief for heritage properties on the 2nd.
I will also be available to answer technical questions for part of the Friday and Saturday and look forward to seeing you there.
Listed Property Show – 21/2/09 and 22/2/09
For the third year running, I have been asked to participate in the Listed Property Show at the Olympia Exhibition Centre in London. I will be manning a stand at the show, and also presenting a lecture each day, on the subject of (you guessed) VAT and listed buildings.
Apart from the obvious joys of VAT, the hall is packed with exhibitors who are engaged in pretty much all aspects of historic house restoration and maintenance. It is well worth a visit.
After the event: yes, an interesting couple of days, and if you missed it make a point of considering it next year - undoubtedly around the third week in February.
www.davebrownvat.com