Extra HMRC staff dealing with DIY builder claims

HMRC has taken steps to improve the turnaround time in dealing with repayment VAT claims for the self-builders DIY scheme.

The scheme allows people building a new dwelling which will be used as their main residence – or that of a relative – to reclaim from HMRC the VAT they pay on building materials. There is no VAT to claim on builder services – which are zero rated for new dwellings – or professional fees such as those of an architect or surveyor which are always blocked. The scheme gives self-builders the same VAT-saving opportunity as property developers who can claim input tax on their VAT returns.

VAT can also be claimed on building materials (20%) and construction services (5%) for self-build projects where a non-residential building is converted into a dwelling such as a chapel converted into a house.

A single VAT claim...