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VAT - Frequently asked questions


Why has VAT been introduced for Parcelforce Worldwide services?

This change follows a ruling by the European Court of Justice, and subsequent changes to the UK legislation. The change will take effect on and from 31st January 2011.

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Who can I complain to about this VAT introduction?

Royal Mail Group Ltd, including Parcelforce Worldwide and the Post Office® is legally bound to charge VAT where applicable. Any complaint should be raised with your MP as it was the Government that introduced VAT on mails products and services.

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On which Parcelforce Worldwide services will I have to pay VAT?

The standard rate of VAT (20%) will apply to items being sent inside the European Union, including the UK. BFPO retains its special status as exempt from VAT. There will be no VAT added to Woodland Trust Carbon Offset (collected on behalf of the Woodland Trust and passed directly to it).

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Are there any plans to add VAT to any other products and services?

We are unaware of any plans to add VAT to other products. This is a matter for government.

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How will I know the amount of VAT I have paid?

The total VAT amount will be shown on your receipt. All receipts will clearly show the net (excluding VAT) and gross (including VAT) prices. The Post Office receipt summarises the amount paid at each VAT rate. An example of a Post Office receipt (PDF 72KB) is attached.

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Can I claim back VAT?

VAT registered businesses will ordinarily be able to recover any VAT in accordance with VAT rules using the VAT receipt provided. Information on VAT, including VAT recovery, is available at www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat. You may be interested to know it is possible for businesses to elect to register for VAT even if turnover is below the current annual threshold of £70,000 (provided all goods or services sold are not exempt). If you are not currently VAT registered and would like to find out more, HMRC provides information on the implications and how to register at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/start/register/index.htm

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How do I receive a VAT receipt?

If you purchase services at the standard rate of VAT, a VAT receipt will be produced automatically at the end of any customer session at parcelforce.com, a Post Office branch or a Parcelforce Worldwide depot. For services booked for a subsequent day via our call centre, our driver will bring a VAT receipt to you when they collect the item. If you are a VAT registered business, then for services via our call centre for collection the same day or via www.royalmail.com or PayPal, you may request a VAT receipt by emailing vat@parcelforce.co.uk quoting your name and address and the consignment number.

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What is the full VAT receipt?

The VAT receipt you receive for our services at Post Office branches will ordinarily be a ‘simplified’ VAT receipt. If the total value of services is above a certain threshold, you will be asked if you require a full VAT receipt and, if yes, to provide the name and address of the business. You will require this if you are a VAT registered business and the total value of services is above the threshold. All our other VAT receipts are sufficient irrespective of the total value of services.

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I did not receive a full VAT receipt at the Post Office, can I receive one now?

Full VAT receipts (where required due to the total value of services – see above) are available only at the Post Office at the time of the original transaction. If you require a full VAT receipt after the transaction is complete please contact the Post Office customer helpline on 08457 223344 within 30 calendar days after the date of the transaction. This should be done as soon as possible. You will need to provide the session ID number from the ‘simplfied’ VAT receipt issued at the time of the transaction. If you have lost this receipt we will be unable to verify the transaction and therefore unable to issue a full VAT receipt.

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The name and address is incorrect on my full VAT receipt from the Post Office, can I receive a replacement?

If the name and address details are incorrect on a Post Office full VAT receipt, you will need to call the Post Office helpline on 08457 223344. This should be done as soon as possible. You will be asked to provide the session ID number from the full VAT receipt. If you have lost this receipt we will be unable to verify the transaction and therefore unable to issue a replacement.

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Will I pay VAT to send items to a BFPO address?

No. Postal Services to BFPO destinations remain exempt from VAT.

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I use Frankpay to pay for services on Parcelforce.com. Will I receive a VAT receipt?

Yes. A VAT receipt will be available to print or save at the end of your transaction.

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I did not get a VAT receipt when I paid by PayPal on EBay – can I still get one?

Yes. Please email vat@parcelforce.co.uk quoting your name and address, consignment number, service used, amount paid and the date of the transaction.

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I did not get a VAT receipt when I paid via the Royal Mail online postage service – can I still get one?

Yes. Please email vat@parcelforce.co.uk quoting your name and address, consignment number, service used, amount paid and the date of the transaction.

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I am a VAT registered business. Where can I obtain rates for Parcelforce Worldwide services excluding VAT?

If you would like us to send you a Post Office® price guide with prices excluding VAT, please email parcelforce@clientmail.eu.com providing your contact details.

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