VAT Exemption on Stairlifts — Do You Qualify?
Zero-Rated for Disability · No Extra Paperwork on Our Side · A Simple Declaration
Most of our customers pay no VAT on their stairlift. Under UK VAT law, stairlifts supplied to someone with a chronic illness or disability are zero-rated — that is a 20% saving on the full installed price. It is not a discount, and it is not means-tested: it is a straightforward HMRC exemption that most stairlift buyers qualify for. Here is exactly how it works and what you need to do.
Who Qualifies for VAT-Free
Three Groups That Pay No VAT
If you tick any of these boxes — or you are buying the lift for someone who does — the stairlift is zero-rated. No pre-approval needed. Full HMRC guidance is in VAT Notice 701/7.
Long-term conditions that substantially and long-term affect the ability to carry out everyday activities — arthritis, heart conditions, COPD, Parkinson’s, MS and many others.
Physical impairments that make climbing stairs unsafe or impossible — hip or knee problems, mobility loss following a stroke, spinal conditions, amputations.
Charities buying stairlifts for eligible individuals or premises used substantially by disabled people can also qualify for zero-rating — ask us at the survey.
What It Saves You
VAT-Free vs Standard Prices
| Stairlift | Standard price (with 20% VAT) | You pay (zero-rated) | You save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recon Acorn/Brooks 130 | £1,320 | £1,100 | £220 |
| Recon Acorn/Brooks T700 | £1,560 | £1,300 | £260 |
| Recon Stannah 260 (curved) | £3,840 | £3,200 | £640 |
The prices you see on this website and in your written quote already assume you qualify for VAT-free supply, which most of our customers do. If you do not qualify, VAT is added — still no surprise, still in writing before you commit.
How the Declaration Works
Four Steps, No HMRC Paperwork on Your Side
At your free home survey we ask a simple question: does the stairlift user have a chronic illness or disability that makes stairs difficult? A yes is all we need.
A one-page HMRC-compliant declaration — name, address, condition described briefly (no medical proof needed), signed. That is the entire process.
You never deal with HMRC. We keep the declaration on file, zero-rate your invoice, and account for it correctly — that is our job, not yours.
The price on your quote and invoice already reflects the exemption. No refund claims, no waiting, no fuss.
A stairlift is a purchase for someone with a condition that makes stairs difficult — that is exactly what the VAT exemption exists for. If you are unsure whether you qualify, ask us. We do this every week.
Honest, Straightforward Answers
VAT Exemption — FAQs
Do I really pay no VAT on a stairlift?
If you or the person the stairlift is for has a chronic illness or physical disability, yes — the stairlift is zero-rated (0% VAT) instead of the standard 20%. On a £1,100 straight lift that is a £220 saving; on a £3,200 curved lift, £640.
What conditions qualify for VAT exemption on a stairlift?
Any long-term condition that substantially affects everyday activities. Common qualifying conditions include arthritis, heart disease, COPD, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, stroke recovery, hip and knee problems, spinal conditions and many others. You do not need to be registered disabled.
Do I need proof from my GP or a diagnosis letter?
No. HMRC does not require medical proof for VAT zero-rating on stairlifts — a simple written declaration from you (or the person the lift is for) that describes the condition is all that is needed. We provide the form; you sign it.
What if I am buying the stairlift for a parent or spouse?
Perfectly fine. You can pay for a stairlift being installed for someone else and it is still zero-rated, provided the person who will use it has a qualifying condition. Their declaration is what matters, not yours.
Do you charge extra for handling the VAT declaration?
No. The declaration is a normal part of our quote and invoice process — no admin fee, no extra step for you. We handle the paperwork with HMRC.
What if I do not qualify?
Standard 20% VAT is added to your quote. It is still a fixed written price with no surprises — you know exactly what you are paying before you commit.
Does the VAT exemption apply to reconditioned stairlifts too?
Yes — the exemption applies to any stairlift for a qualifying person, new or reconditioned. Every reconditioned lift we sell is zero-rated for eligible customers.
Where can I read the official HMRC rules?
The official guidance is HMRC VAT Notice 701/7 — the section covering stairlifts is straightforward, and we are happy to walk you through it at your free survey.
Get Your Zero-Rated Quote
The prices on our website already assume VAT-free supply for eligible buyers — call us and we will confirm your zero-rated quote in minutes.