Needing to ask for VAT receipts

[BrowneIssue]

Why do we have to ask for VAT receipts for petrol?

I know why we need them, but why is it necessary to ask for them to be printed and handed over? Why aren't they given out automatically?

I've done shedloads of driving all over the UK this past couple of years. Invariably, when paying for petrol you get a receipt. But it is marked "* THIS IS NOT A VAT RECEIPT *". Why do they do that?

Many moons ago, I used to code retail systems (programmable tills and their like) and so I know there is no technical reason why a VAT receipt should be separate.

Everywhere else you go (i.e. other than petrol stations), every receipt is a VAT receipt.

So, what is it about petrol stations that they do not give you a VAT receipt automatically, and that instead you have to ask for it and it comes as a separate receipt?

[VectraMan]

Tesco do.

But I agree I don't understand why they can't just have one receipt.

I don't collect them since I joined the FRS.

[miffy]

I only needed them when I was a permie and driving hire cars. Now I just keep mileage logs for my journeys, the receipts for fuel (or vat) is not relevant to me anymore.

I know what you mean though, why do you have to ask ffs.

I forgot to get a vat receipt once and had to go back to the station to get one. Luckily they were able to print one off as the transaction was only an hour earlier. I know the company I was working for at the time would have thrown it back at me and I'd have been 70 quid out of pocket. I wouldn't have been happy then.

[xoggoth]

All VAT registered businesses should be obliged to supply only VAT receipts.

There are only so many times you can go throught that stupid conversation with uninformed shop or restaurant staff who think that just having a VAT number on a receipt makes it a VAT receipt. After a while you stop asking.

Another deliberate tax con. I suspect HMRC are very happy with the current situation as it reduces the amount reclaimed.

[AtW]

just having a VAT number on a receipt makes it a VAT receipt.

What exactly should be on receipt apart from VAT number, VAT amount and total amount?

[SandyDown]

Since I registered for the flat rate VAT, I too started just logging my mileage, stopped collecting petrol receipts (well I do but don't really file them they are all in one bulging tesco bag )

[realityhack]

What exactly should be on receipt apart from VAT number, VAT amount and total amount?

Seconded - Xog, could you explain that one more time to uninformed contractors instead of petrol station staff?

I honestly thought that having the VAT reg no, the purchase amount and the VAT amount, as well as the business name and the usual stuff, was enough.

Erk

[AtW]

I honestly thought that having the VAT reg no, the purchase amount and the VAT amount, as well as the business name and the usual stuff, was enough.

I think Xog has confused this site with his blow where he writes his disturbing stories

[VectraMan]

What exactly should be on receipt apart from VAT number, VAT amount and total amount?

I've seen them say the amount of VAT, the VAT number, and "This is not a VAT receipt". Perhaps what makes it a VAT receipt is not having "This is not a VAT receipt" on it?

I'd always have to be careful not to count the same purchase twice as I'd have a credit card receipt and VAT receipt with the same information.

[RSoles]

Hmm, There's definately something going on here.
I've noticed when I do ask for a VAT receipt (always) that the kid
behind the till often gives me the 'normal' receipt, then waits for me to go away, then when I ask for the VAT receipt again gives it to me and puts another receipt ( copy of the VAT receipt) in some special pile.

Of course HMRC aren't interested in VAT fraud, just persecuting small businesses.

RS