Claiming VAT back on personally bought items, reclaimed as an expense?

[d000hg]

If I buy something from eBay from a seller who will provide valid VAT receipt, I only have a personal eBay account so would have to claim an expense from MyCo. Can the VAT then still be reclaimed?

[RichardCranium]

It's the same as anything else you buy for YourLtdCo.

Provided it's a business expense you personally claim all the cost back from YourLtdCo, and - if there is a VAT receipt - YourLtdCo claims the VAT back.

(Unless you're in the Flat Rate Scheme, of course.)

[d000hg]

Coming back to this - is RC's answer definitely correct given that the VAT is on the sale to me personally, and I personally am not VAT registered so can't charge my company VAT?

I only have a debit card on a company account so would prefer to purchase (£330 inc VAT) on my personal credit card. What's the right process - is it an expense or something I'm selling to MyCo?

[JamJarST]

Coming back to this - is RC's answer definitely correct given that the VAT is on the sale to me personally, and I personally am not VAT registered so can't charge my company VAT?

I only have a debit card on a company account so would prefer to purchase (£330 inc VAT) on my personal credit card. What's the right process - is it an expense or something I'm selling to MyCo?

Paypal offer protection up to £500.

And you can claim the full cost back if you pay for it personally.

[d000hg]

eBay is just an example.

Is the right procedure on an online order form to buy it as myself, or to buy it as the company using my personal card?

[blacjac]

It is no different to walking into a shop and buying something on behalf of the company.

It is being bought for the company, for use by the company.
If you buy it on behalf of the company and the company pays you back, it is no different to the company buying it itself.

[SueEllen]

eBay is just an example.

Is the right procedure on an online order form to buy it as myself, or to buy it as the company using my personal card?

If you are representing the company then buy it as the company using your personal credit card. That way it helps to ensure the receipt is put in the right name i.e. that of the company.

BTW be aware you may be giving HMRC the right to have a look at that credit card account if you are ever investigated.

[d000hg]

Thanks all. Might as well get the points on the credit card after all (assuming no silly rule about that).