Why will EE not provide VAT invoices to individuals who are vat registered

[Rwoodward]

Yes, agreed. Vat registered sole trader so that’s me! 

[eelarss]

Yes, I’m a sole trader too, running a small business, and I’ve genuinely never had this issue before with previous BT or EE contracts. For years I’ve always been able to claim the VAT on my business mobile and broadband where it’s used for the business, and it’s never been questioned. People saying “it’s only a few quid” miss the point. Every pound matters when you’re running a small business. Those VAT savings, together with finding competitively priced contracts, all help keep costs down. I don’t see why a sole trader should be forced onto a more expensive business tariff simply to obtain a VAT invoice, especially when the service I’m receiving is being used for my business. Business tariffs often come with extra features and service levels that many sole traders simply don’t need. This isn’t about trying to avoid paying for a business service, it’s about being able to account properly for VAT on a legitimate business expense.

[garybs29]

It is about avoiding paying for a business service, fact is t&c's for residential usually state not to be used for business purposes. I'm sure you'd be  complaining about loss of earnings if it went down which aren't protected on a residential contract

[eelarss]

I think you’re making a few assumptions there.

Firstly, I’m a sole trader, not a large company. Plenty of sole traders legitimately use residential broadband where the provider allows it, and many work from home. It doesn’t automatically mean the connection is being used in breach of the terms and conditions.

Secondly, I haven’t mentioned claiming for loss of earnings at all. If I choose a residential service, I accept the level of service that comes with it. My point has nothing to do with service levels or compensation.

The issue is simply that I’m paying VAT on a service used for my business and should be able to obtain a VAT invoice to support a legitimate VAT claim. I’ve never had this problem with previous providers, including BT and EE, which is why this has come as a surprise.

Wanting to keep business costs down doesn’t mean I should have to buy a more expensive package with features I don’t need just to get a VAT invoice.

[Chris_B]

@eelarss  Because VAT is inclusive on personal plan unlike a business plan where its listed separately.  As that’s the point of having a business plan.  

[Rwoodward]

Either way, as a vat registered individual your entitled to a vat invoice, a process which EE seem to want to make very difficult, without pushing you to a more expensive business plan. It’s very poor customer service in my opinion.