Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/04/05
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Simon The Inland Revenue are an entertaining bunch! You are correct that there should be not VAT or duty payable on a package clearly marked as GIFT. However, this is commonly used by companies to assist their overseas clients in avoiding duty and tax payments (and hence making their prices more competitive), and as such the revenue rarely believe that any item is a gift. I would ask you father to call the Inland Revenue and explain the situation. I have found in the past that they usually take a reasonable attitude and should therefore waive the VAT that they are attempting to (wrongly) levy. Simon Simon Stevens wrote: > I sent two framed photographs (taken with a Leica, OT element) to my > Father who lives in the UK for his 70th Birthday and I just heard back > from him. Apparently, the British authorities (Inland Revenue?) charged > him 17.5% on the insured value of the package even though it was clearly > marked on the customs form as a gift. I feel pretty bad about this > because I overinsured it, not knowing that this would happen. > > Since this is such an international forum, I was wondering if any LUG > experts know if this is right, or if there is any way for him to get his > money back? > > Thanks! > > Simon Stevens > >