Use of Margin Scheme if goods are converted before sale

VAT Question

My client buys and sells second-hand campervans, buying from private individuals and using the margin scheme to account for VAT on these sales. He also buys in vans, again from private individuals and converts them to camper vans and sells on. Can they use the Margin Scheme for the camper van sales?

VAT Answer

Unfortunately, the sale of the campervans that have been converted from ‘ordinary’ commercial vans cannot be sold using the margin scheme as your client is not selling the same item that they purchased.

Article 2 of the VAT (Special Provisions) Order 1995 defines second hand goods as “tangible movable property that is suitable for further use as it is or after repair …….”; this is reproduced in HMRC’s online manual VATMARG02100, see link below

https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/vat-margin-schemes/vatmarg02100

In your client’s case, your client is buying a vehicle that is designed to enable it to be used for the movement of goods etc but once converted, the campervan is a vehicle designed to be used as accommodation; the vehicle that was purchased is not being sold “for further use as it is” and has not been sold simply “after repair”.

Instead, what has effectively happened is that your client has manufactured a new camper van, with the previous commercial van being one of the parts used in that manufacture.

Related VAT Questions

Evidence of Zero-Rate Building Services Regarding New Dwelling

My client is a DIY housebuilder and has engaged the services of a building contractor to build the house for them. The contractor is insisting that, in order for him to zero-rate his supplies to my

VAT on Baby Clothes

My client, who sells baby gifts and accessories, has just registered for VAT. Are these zero-rated supplies like children’s clothing? Items sold include baby sized towels, muslin cloths, blankets

Payroll for UK employees going to work overseas and offshore remote workers

We are frequently asked to advise on the Income Tax and National Insurance treatment of UK employees who are being sent to work overseas, and employees who will work remotely from an offshore locat

Supply and Installation of Window Blinds

My client supplies blinds for windows and back in 2021, supplied and installed some blinds to houses at a new housing development before the houses were complete.

What if the Supplier has Charged UK VAT

Do I need to reverse charge VAT for any supply of services ((i.e., software from Apple, Microsoft, Adobe etc…) with no valid vat receipt (no GB vat number). Is any supply of services (i.e.

Are ‘as new’ goods classed as “second-hand goods” for the Second-Hand Margin Scheme?

My client buys high end, high value footwear, mainly trainers, from private sellers so does not incur VAT when he buys the footwear. However, he will only buy the footwear if they are still boxed a

Vantage Fee Protect Customer Testimonials

Having changed over to Vantage a couple of years ago we have been very satisfied with the service. Especially the claims handling and technical advice lines for both our firm and insured clients on employment and business legal matters. The webshop Vantage offer allows our clients to join and pay electronically. This positively impacts our bottom line and makes things simple and efficient for our clients.

Linda Giles Chartered Accountant

Real people, real results

Vantage Fee Protect provide market leading Tax Fee Protection
Insurance schemes through accountants.

Don’t be shy,
get in touch

Vantage Fee Protect provide market leading Tax Fee Protection
Insurance schemes through accountants.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.