VAT on cosmetics??

[mont6660]

Bought cosmetics online on Mon and price was the same as on Sunday. Queried and was told that they hadn't charged me VAT for my purchase. Surely they aren't exempt! Any comments from those in the know?

[dzug]

Depends where they are coming from - if from Jersey (a major source of low value online goods) then no there isn't any. Unless you get hit on import - which you won't if they are low value.

[Skyline D]

The business in question may very well have an annual turnover below the VAT threshold and therefore not be registered for VAT. Small businesses don't charge VAT.

Window cleaning is a VATable service but I'd imagine 99% of window cleaners aren't vat registered so don't charge VAT.

[mont6660]

It was Benefit Cosmetics UK website - there isn't a local stockist so I had to order online. All our local shops are taking VAT off (2.13%) at the checkouts so I had hoped the internet site would do the same.

[Skyline D]

It's a UK company and a UK website it appears albeit linked to a major US company.

Certainly appears on the face of it as if it will be a VAT registered business if the trade is actually in the UK. I'd guess dzug's answer might be the explanation.