Has anyone received a VAT receipt from Aliexpress with a real VAT number?

[Killingtime]

Hi,

As the title. Aliexpress stated charging UK customers 20% VAT at checkout in January this year (2021).

OK. But I cannot find their VAT number, and customer service is non-existent, if you discount the automated bot that has an IQ lower than Rimmer from Red Dwarf.

Asking as I'm VAT registered, and can claim it back if I get a valid receipt.

If you did receive a receipt, did it come automatically via email, or do you have to ask for it? The thing is, Aliexpress charges the VAT and not the seller who knows nothing about VAT and doesn't collect it.

Thanks.

 

[peterthake]

Bump - sorry to reply to such an old post but this problem persists. Did anyone find a solution? Is there a VAT number for AliExpress?

 

[Ozzy]

Apparently, you can download an invoice from their site here (and if it is a real invoice it will have their VAT number on it;

Details on their FAQ here
3rd or 4th question from the top

 

[peterthake]

Apparently, you can download an invoice from their site here (and if it is a real invoice it will have their VAT number on it;

Thanks Ozzy. I have been downloading these invoices, and they all itemise the VAT charge, but none have a VAT number. I am guessing that because the sales are from third party sellers, they might have to supply individual VAT numbers? According to the VAT-number free invoices, VAT is definitely being charged and presumably remitted to UK Govt. OR AliExpress are pocketing an extra 20%.

 

[Ozzy]

I have been downloading these invoices, and they all itemise the VAT charge, but none have a VAT number.

If they are itemising the items and showing the VAT separately on an invoice, then they absolutely must clearly display their VAT number.

 

[peterthake]

Yes they should. But they are not including any VAT number. I am VAT registered and this makes it tricky to reclaim. Below is a snippet from an AliExpress invoice:

VAT% Taxable base (in GBP) Total VAT (in GBP)
20% 6.13 1.23
Total 6.13 1.23

Note: Alibaba.com Singapore E-Commerce Private Limited is raising this invoice in accordance to the applicable tax laws in UK.