VAT on suncream!!!!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-18785173

Why is there tax on suncream? VAT is designed for non-essential, luxury items. So why the fluff is there vat on something so vital? Some people burn really easily and when a bottle can be £15+ then tax on top of that is a fair chunk for something that doesn't spread very far, especially if you need a couple of applications a day.

It's so stoopid I'm not bothering to put a poll up to see who agrees. If you don't think that this VAT should be taken away then please do give your reasons.

It might only be a pound or two on each bottle but especially if you got a big family with sensitive skin, it can add up.

Scroll to see replies

Reply 1

Harry Callahan

It's a non-essential item, therefore I suppose it's classed as luxury.

Reply 2

Snagprophet

I thought we paid vat on everything.

Reply 3

RJFarmer

Stop buying branded sun cream then. There are many cheap alternatives.

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 4

username457532

There's VAT on tampons and sanitary towels and I don't know anyone who'd consider them a 'luxury'.

Reply 5

Clare~Bear

Original post by Harry Callahan

It's a non-essential item, therefore I suppose it's classed as luxury.

Are we meant to stay in doors all day or go out in the baking heat in full length trousers and shirts then?

Original post by Snagprophet

I thought we paid vat on everything.

Nope, VAT is supposed to be for luxury items. Although I think it's paid on adult clothes but not childrens. Plus thats why there was a row about jaffa cakes, are they a cake or biscuit. Cos if they were cake, there wouldn't be VAT, but if they were a biscuit then there would. Yet I don't see how a chocolate biscuit is more of a luxury than a chocolate cake :dontknow:

Reply 6

Clare~Bear

Original post by SmallTownGirl

There's VAT on tampons and sanitary towels and I don't know anyone who'd consider them a 'luxury'.

I never knew that. Maybe we should start a campaign against that to.

Reply 7

IndyAM

Essentials include Food and Drink, some Clothes and some other items. It isn't designed to include whatever you deem as essential, whether you decide that suncream, or other items are essential to you.

Also, its 17.5%, not a huge amount. Quit your whining and buy cheaper suncream then!

Curiously, Flyers do get taxed but Leaflets don't (or the other way around). Anyone know why this is?

Reply 8

tehforum

Original post by SmallTownGirl

There's VAT on tampons and sanitary towels and I don't know anyone who'd consider them a 'luxury'.

I just let nature take its course.

:colone:

Reply 9

LickOfPaint

Original post by Clare~Bear

Are we meant to stay in doors all day or go out in the baking heat in full length trousers and shirts then?

Well, I'm a geek so... :rolleyes:

Reply 10

Snagprophet

Original post by IndyAM

Also, its 17.5%, not a huge amount. Quit your whining and buy cheaper suncream then!

I thought it was 20%. Did the government drop it again back to 17.5%?

Reply 11

simibean

So they want more people to get skin cancer

Reply 12

watami

Just because the VAT was lowered on essential items don't make the mistake to take it for granted. The VAT replaced the purchase tax thus it was a flat rate tax when introduced. You should be grateful for receiving a lower tax on essential items rather than make a fuss when you have no clue on how this works.

Reply 13

studiousgeek

Original post by IndyAM

The current standard rate is 20%.

Leaflets and flyers (and my printer assured me there is no difference apart from the weight) are a complicated VAT area that depend on the intended use of the item.

For example, if I printed a flyer or leaflet advertising an event that would be zero rated but if I added 'FREE entry with this leaflet' it would be classed as a TICKET and subject to VAT. If it says, '10% off purchase with this flyer' then it is a VOUCHER and if there is a space to fill in your name and address (for a prize draw, for instance) then it becomes a FORM, both of which are also subject to VAT.

For that reason, it's best to get to know your printer and have them assess each print run on a case-by-case basis.

Reply 14

fudgesundae

Original post by SmallTownGirl

There's VAT on tampons and sanitary towels and I don't know anyone who'd consider them a 'luxury'.

I think there is reduced rate (5%) VAT on sanitary products.

Reply 15

SillyEddy

The news report in mention seems fairly ridiculous. I don't think anyone would avoid buying sun cream solely because of tax. The person kept going into the sun, no doubt with no protection. A tax does not prevent silly things like that. Hate all you want, we all know the dangers of going out into the sun, and it was up to her to do so. If she wanted suncream, she should buy it. VAT did not kill her.

I feel as if the family are just looking for something to blame.

Reply 16

No Future

I would say just buy it at the airport, but the prices in Boots are not VAT free. They seem to be the same as the high street.

Reply 17

Harry Callahan

Original post by Clare~Bear

Are we meant to stay in doors all day or go out in the baking heat in full length trousers and shirts then?

Nope, VAT is supposed to be for luxury items. Although I think it's paid on adult clothes but not childrens. Plus thats why there was a row about jaffa cakes, are they a cake or biscuit. Cos if they were cake, there wouldn't be VAT, but if they were a biscuit then there would. Yet I don't see how a chocolate biscuit is more of a luxury than a chocolate cake :dontknow:

Baking heat? None of that here. Stop moaning about something that's not going to get changed and isn't important.