I realise this only answers part of the question.
As well as being a NHS paramedic I am also a crewman on an RNLI lifeboat in
Brighton. The individual crew can claim no tax relief at all as they are
volunteers (as BASICS doctors are) for a charity. However, all our equipment
which we receive from the RNLI or buy locally is VAT exempt. We buy a hand
held GPS unit and send it into RNLI HQ and they claim back the VAT.
I believe that BASICS have a 'excuse the pun) basic equipment list. Is it
not possible for members of BASICS to buy equipment via a central point
within BASICS. Benefits are a. bulk buy (and get discount) b.claim back VAT.
The doctor will still have to pay out for equipment but will get it cheaper.
The RNLI (as with retained fire) pay crew a call out fee. This used to be
tax exempt - it is no more. Even though most crew put the monies received
back into the RNLI directly we still have to pay the TAX.
Mike Bjarkoy
Paramedic
Sussex


>I happened to notice on the BASICS web site quite a lengthy section about
VAT >exemption when buying equipment for use as a BASICS doctor. Quite right
that the >organisation should help advise its members who give their time
and money to support >immediate care of critically ill and injured patients.
Mark Nettleton's need for tax advise >cannot be a unique problem - surely
some advise from his BASICS colleagues, >channelled through the organisation
would be both appropriate and professional?

>Howard Simpson

>PS I have no axe to grind. Please do not shoot me like others who have
contributed to >this tread.

Hands up! The problem with charity work, according to my accountant, is that
you are doing it voluntarily, not for money, so no tax exemption is
theoretically possible. In general practice, this is rarely a problem, as we
are tasked with 24hr responsibility and responding to emergencies has always
been part of our overall responsibility. We can claim immediately necessary
treatment fees for non RTA work. Presumably in A&E you can also fudge the
borders of responsiblity to argue pre-hosp trauma care is an essential part
of job trainng - and ultimately the A&E dept takes the fee.

One option is to send a bill to RTA victims - there's a standard BMA fee
structure for this purpose. Goes against the grain with most of us I know,
but it does get you out of the tax situation - even if not all patients pay.
Funds can always be channelled into your local BASICS scheme......

Secondly is to see whether the military will add a clause to your contract,
to make it part of your additional duties to respond for trauma calls in the
locality - thus making it an essential part of your job (can be an optional
clause) - they would probably be quite willing to do this and wouldn't have
to pay you extra. Presumably great PR for the local unit too......

Thirdly, your local A&E dept could theoretically give you a notional
contract - because they ultimately claim the fee - but again if you receive
no money this could be difficult to persuade the tax man.

Hope this helps

Jeremy





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