I'm budgeting to order a few things from motogadget (dash/indicator/switches/m-unit thing)
VAT is value added tax right? We in the states do NOT pay this correct?
[beer]
Yep, it's a sales tax.
I think the company is obliged to charge it, and those non-nationals immediately exporting would reclaim [those desks at the airport]. Don't now how you'd go about this via mail order though, sorry.
I have ordered from the UK/EU a number of times, they only charge VAT if the product is staying in the UK/EU, If it is being sent out of the country, it is not charged.
Most companies state that when placing an order, but if your not sure, drop em an Email and check.
It's similar to products sold in Australia, they advertise the Tax (GST) inclusive price, but if the product is sent overseas, the Tax is removed.
If it's a normal/large business place you're ordering from, yes, they will not charge you VAT. Have them confirm.
If it's a very small business, maybe/maybe not. There's some paper work involved.
Businesses pay VAT as a result of the difference between incoming(selling) and outgoing(buying) tax.
Consumers pay VAT, but can deduct none - unless the buyer is exporting the item out of EU (and if so, heaps of paperwork to reclaim)