Do You Have to Pay VAT on a Stairlift?

Do you have to pay VAT on a stairlift?

Understanding VAT relief and what to look out for when buying a stairlift in the UK

Buying a stairlift for yourself or a loved one can feel like a big decision, both practically and financially, and a common question that people often ask is “Do I have to pay VAT on a stairlift?”

The good news is that in many cases, you won’t. If the person using the stairlift has a disability or long-term health condition, they’re likely eligible for VAT relief, which is a saving of 20% off the full price.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• Who qualifies for VAT exemption on stairlifts

• What conditions are covered

• What to look out for when ordering

• How to avoid unexpected charges

• And how Multicare Medical helps make the process stress-free

What is VAT relief?

In the UK, most goods and services include VAT (Value Added Tax) at 20%. However, the government allows VAT to be removed (zero-rated) for certain products such as stairlifts when they’re purchased by or for someone with a qualifying condition.

This VAT relief is designed to reduce the financial burden on people with disabilities or long-term illnesses when they need specialist equipment to live safely and independently at home.

Who qualifies for VAT relief on a stairlift?

You may be eligible for VAT relief if:

• The stairlift is for your own personal use, or

• You’re buying on behalf of someone else who qualifies, such as a parent

And the person using the stairlift:

• Has a long-term illness (like arthritis, heart disease, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc.), or

• Is registered as disabled, or

• Has limited mobility due to age or a chronic condition

Examples of qualifying conditions include:

• Reduced mobility due to stroke or injury

• Arthritis or joint degeneration

• Chronic pain or neurological conditions

• Age-related frailty or balance problems

• Any condition where climbing stairs becomes unsafe or difficult

You don’t have to be in receipt of disability benefits or be registered disabled with your local council to qualify. The criteria are based on the impact of your condition and not your paperwork.

When you do have to pay VAT

There are a few situations where VAT must still be charged:

• If the stairlift is for a business or commercial property (e.g., a care home or hotel)
• If the stairlift is not for personal use (e.g, shared communal areas in a block of flats)
• If the person using the stairlift does not have a qualifying medical condition

Even in these cases, there may still be reduced VAT rates or exemptions under different schemes, so it’s always worth checking with your supplier.

How do you claim VAT relief?

Claiming VAT relief is very simple. When you buy a stairlift from a reputable provider such as Multicare Medical, they’ll:

• Ask if the person using the stairlift has a qualifying condition

• Provide a short VAT exemption form to complete and sign

• Apply the VAT relief at the point of purchase, so the price you pay is already reduced

There’s no need to claim anything back later or fill out lengthy paperwork. The form usually takes less than two minutes to complete and confirms you understand the eligibility criteria.

Top tip: If a stairlift is advertised as “from £2,500,” make sure you ask whether this includes or excludes VAT, as some providers list prices without the tax.

How much money can you save?

If you’re eligible, VAT relief saves you 20% off the total cost, which can be hundreds of pounds!

Here’s a simple example:

At Multicare Medical, we provide free assessments, friendly advice, and support with VAT exemption and grant eligibility, with no external contractors involved. So if you would like more information on the range of stairlifts available and what would be the most suitable option for you, your loved one, or the home, please get in touch with a member of our team

You can also download our free Stairlift Buyer’s Guide for more information.

Call: 0800 298 6000
Email: [email protected]
Click to submit an enquiry

Multicare Medical: ‘Helping you deliver better healthcare’ since 1988