If you’re a UK taxpayer, you’ll no doubt be familiar with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). But did you know that if you return a purchase from an international seller, you can get your import duty back with HMRC? The process of getting your import duty back can be a complicated one. In this blog post, we’ve broken down this process for you. Read on to find out more.  

What is HMRC?

Before we get into how HMRC works, you should know what it is. HMRC is the UK’s tax authority. It collects taxes, administers tax credits and benefits, and enforces tax laws. Currently, HMRC has over 60,000 employees and is headquartered in London. It also has regional offices across the UK.

How does HMRC collect taxes?

HMRC collects taxes in a number of ways. For most people, the main source of tax is income tax, which is deducted from your wages or salary by your employer. This is known as PAYE (Pay As You Earn).

If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to complete a tax return each year and pay any tax owed to HMRC. This can include income tax and National Insurance contributions.

How can I contact HMRC?

If you have a query related to your taxes or import duty, you can contact HMRC in a number of ways. The best way to get in touch will depend on your query. Here are some options:

  • Phone – HMRC has a number of helplines for different types of queries. You can find the relevant phone number on the HMRC website.
  • Online – you can use the HMRC website to manage your tax affairs, including completing tax returns, making payments, and applying for tax credits and benefits.
  • Post – you can write to HMRC at the address on their website.
  • Face-to-face – if you need to meet with HMRC in person, you can make an appointment at one of their offices.

How can I get my import duty back on returned international purchases using HMRC?

If you have purchased an item from outside of the EU and paid import duty, but later returned it to the seller, you’re eligible to get a refund on the duty you paid. Here’s how you can do it using HMRC:

1. Contact the seller

The first step is to contact the seller and let them know that you are returning the item. They should provide you with a refund for the purchase price of the item and any applicable taxes or fees.

2. Get a refund on import duty

Next, you need to contact HMRC to claim a refund on the import duty you paid. You can do this by completing a C285 form, which can be found on the HMRC website.

3. Provide supporting documentation

You will need to provide HMRC with supporting documentation to show that you have returned the item, such as proof of return from the seller or shipping documents. The exact types of documentation required will be listed on your C285 form.

4. Submit the form 

Once you have completed the form and gathered the necessary documentation, you can submit it to HMRC. The form can be submitted online or by post.

5. Wait for a response

HMRC will review your claim and contact you with a decision. If your claim is approved, you should receive a refund of the import duty within a few weeks.

It’s worth noting that there are some conditions and limitations to claiming a refund on import duty. For example, you can only claim a refund within three years of the date that the duty was paid, and the item must have been returned within three years of its original importation. 

Additionally, certain types of goods may not be eligible for a refund. So do check whether or not the item you returned is eligible before you start applying. This will save you a lot of time and effort. 

how to get your import duty back with HMRC

Is there an easier way to get my import duty back?

Yes! As a matter of fact, there are ways you can avoid the hassle that comes with dealing with HMRC. After all, the process with HMRC requires you to collect countless documents, and then wait weeks, or possibly months, to hear back. What’s worse, one misstep during the whole process means that your application will simply be discarded. 

So what can you do? The answer is simple – Duty Refunds. At Duty Refunds, we believe that getting your import duty back should be a smooth and stress-free process. So we take care of the whole process for you. 

how to get your import duty back with duty refunds

All you have to do is calculate how much import duty you’re owed and initiate a claim on our website. Then you can leave everything to the experts. We deal with HMRC for you and make sure that your application has no mistakes. And we aim to get you your import duty back within four weeks. If your application is successful (and ONLY if it is successful), we take a mere 15% of the duty you’re owed as a fee. 

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