How do I claim tax back on Mess Dress?

Question

I've recently bought a set of Mess Dress (for my partner) and i know i can claim the VAT back on it. I've been told that i need to download a form from hmrc.gov.uk but i have looked on this site and cannot find anything which refers to Mess Dress. Does anyone know which form i need or where i can find it. Thanks

Answer 1

i have spoke to one of my sons who says yes as far as he is aware you can claim the vat back, as it is an essential part of his kit , if you leave this post running i will find out for sure from my other son who is more in the know but will take a couple of days as he is in Afghan at moment,

just spoke to son who is in Afghan, he says that you can not claim as its a privilege to be allowed into the mess ,
its a club that you have to earn the right to be apart off by rank,

Answer 2

Sorry, who ever told you that you can claim tax back on a mess dress is wrong.
When i bought my mess dress I thought that I could claim a taxable allowance for the upkeep but when checking with the taxman was told no because 1) It`s not compulsory 2)As it was only used for Mess functions it didn`t fit the allowance criteria

Answer 3

Somebody has been telling you fibs, mess dress is not compulsory and is not tax deductable.

You could how ever claim the VAT i guess if you purchased in the UK soley for use abroad but you should have filled a form out with the supplier before purchase.

For weather, this is not uniform, more a tailored suit to wear for Sgts/Officers Mess functions, it is not compulsory as you could wear service dress/No 2's

Answer 4

Sorry but as far as I know you can't claim it back.

Also why would you need to pay for Mess Dress, that suggests your partner is in the forces so Mess Dress should be provided.

The only reason to buy it is to get tailored version

Answer 5

Hmmm....it's strange that you had to buy it because I thought Mess Dress was issued to you when you join?..

Doesn't sound like you can claim the tax back on that I'm afraid..