Value Added Tax Act 1994 section 33B

Refunds of VAT to Academies

Section 33B provides a mechanism for academy proprietors to reclaim VAT incurred on purchases and imports that are not related to any business activity they carry on.

• Academy proprietors can claim refunds of VAT charged on supplies or imports that are not for business purposes
• Claims must be submitted within 4 years of the supply or importation, unless HMRC sets a shorter deadline
• Where non-business and business purchases cannot be easily separated, HMRC will apportion the VAT and refund only the non-business element
• VAT that is blocked from input tax credit under section 25 orders cannot be reclaimed through this route either