Expenses - laptop purchase leave abroad

[MB2]

try bringing back a suitcase full of new, boxed ones and going through the 'Something to declare' channel at customs. I think you'll find you need to pay duty (and VAT).

There isn't any duty on a laptop so all you should pay is the VAT upon import to the UK, which you claim back so I don't really see the point in smuggling it anyway.

If you import it yourself you are allowed 390 UKP value without paying the VAT upon entry from outside the EU but I guess the laptop be more expensive than that.

[SueEllen]

There isn't any duty on a laptop so all you should pay is the VAT upon import to the UK, which you claim back so I don't really see the point in smuggling it anyway.

If you import it yourself you are allowed 390 UKP value without paying the VAT upon entry from outside the EU but I guess the laptop be more expensive than that.

A bigger issue is if the laptop fails in the UK then you will have issues with the warranty.

[TraceRacing]

Of course (if) your laptop "happened" to break while you were in the US and you needed a replacement urgently.....

[TonyF]

Of course (if) your laptop "happened" to break while you were in the US and you needed a replacement urgently.....

Or you left it at home accidentally before departing.

I'd buy it and claim it. I'd also bring it back.

[WTFH]

If the OP doesn't bring it back, then they will need to check their company insurance for leaving a product abroad.

I think there's some things that the OP doesn't want to tell us, and is possibly hoping that we'll disagree with their accountant.

The only reason I don't really want to bring it home (aside from the fact I don't need it here) really is it negates all savings if I have to pay duty and VAT on it anyway, might as well just buy it here

But if you have an LTD in the UK, you claim the VAT back anyway, whereas I doubt it would be straightforward to claim back the US sales tax through your UK LTD.

[TonyF]

But if you have an LTD in the UK, you claim the VAT back anyway, whereas I doubt it would be straightforward to claim back the US sales tax through your UK LTD.

Only if they are VAT registered and not on the flat rate scheme

[SueEllen]

Only if they are VAT registered and not on the flat rate scheme

Depends on the cost of the laptop....

[SueEllen]

If the OP doesn't bring it back, then they will need to check their company insurance for leaving a product abroad.

I think there's some things that the OP doesn't want to tell us, and is possibly hoping that we'll disagree with their accountant.
.

You cynic...

[WTFH]

You cynic...

Experience, rather than cynicism.

When someone replies with "that's my concern" normally means they are withholding something.

The only country that they travel to is the US, they never travel in the UK or elsewhere.
They are happy to leave said laptop somewhere secure in the US for the majority of the time, unused, considering this to be a good way to spend money.
They have thought this through enough to give a very detailed first post, but obviously not spoken to their accountant about it.
Their company is able to fund frequent trips to the US, but balks at spending a few pounds more buying the computer in the UK, which would allow them to take it with them anywhere in the world, allow them to work while on a plane or sitting at an airport as well as on their travels.

[TheCyclingProgrammer]

A bigger issue is if the laptop fails in the UK then you will have issues with the warranty.

Depends on the manufacturer. I'm pretty sure Apple, for instance, will service any laptop bought worldwide.