A friend of mine has the following VAT problem:

Before I ring the VAT helpline on Monday, I thought I might ask for
opinions here ...

I purchased a Canon f4L 300mm IS lens for £1089.90 from Amazon.co.uk.
Since they are a reputable UK retailer, I expected a VAT receipt to
allow me to reclaim the VAT. Unfortunately, the receipt supplied just
shows VAT as "blank". I have asked them for a new one, but no response
so far.

The lens was actually supplied by their "partner" called
SimplyElectronics, based on the Isle of Man. Their website shows the
same lens as costing £949.95 i.e. pretty much ex-VAT for a company
being outside of the UK.

To me, it looks like Amazon have charged and pocketed the VAT at my
expense.

Any comments, or advice?

Thanks,
Debs
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