Like Warwickshire and the Parliamentary Archives (to name two recent posters to this list), we in Norfolk are keen to introduce online payment and services, and, at the same time, are reviewing our existing charging structures and methods. In the past, our corporate VAT adviser insisted that we quote prices net of VAT and calculate the VAT for each individual transaction, where applicable (e.g. 1 copy at £1.50 pence plus VAT is £1.58 pence to EU customers and £1.50 to non-EU customers).
This can be a minor advantage in clinching big copying orders with Japanese, US and other non-EU customers, but otherwise is a complete pain. However, in planning for online and other e-services, we realize that there may be no straightforward means of ascertaining the country of origin of our customers.
We have raised the issue with our current County Council VAT adviser, who agreed it is 'a very good question' and is to ask a government VAT adviser about it next week. To help inform the discussion, he asked what other record offices do. We have trawled through various record office websites and have mostly found VAT is not specifically mentioned. Similarly with messages to this list about online services. Can we take it that virtually all other archive services include VAT in their quoted prices for copying, research, etc. and advertise a flat rate to all, irrespective of where they live?
Susan Maddock
Principal Archivist
Norfolk Record Office
The Archive Centre
Martineau Lane
Norwich
NR1 2DQ
Tel: Norwich (01603) 222818/222599
Fax: Norwich (01603) 761885
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Website: http://archives.norfolk.gov.uk
A Four-Star Archive Service with a Designated Collection
Norfolk County Council - a four star authority.
The information contained in this email is intended only for the person or organization to which it is addressed. If you have received it by mistake, please disregard and notify the sender immediately. Unauthorized disclosure or use of such information may be a breach of legislation or confidentiality and may be legally privileged.
Emails sent from and received by Members and employees of Norfolk County Council may be monitored. They may also be disclosed to other people under legislation, particularly the Freedom Of Information Act 2000.
Unless this email relates to Norfolk County Council business it will be regarded by the Council as personal and will not be authorized by or sent on behalf of the Council. The sender will have sole responsibility for any legal actions or disputes that may arise.
|