This is what pisses me off about ebooks. I understand that they can't be dirt cheap because you still need editors and proofreaders and setters and authors, and all those people need paying, but $15 = £9. (£15 = $24).
Amazon UK charges a 20% sales tax (VAT) for UK ebooks. (I have no idea if Amazon actually pay their tax or if they're the type of company using vigorous avoidance schemes.)
I have no idea if Amazon actually pay their tax or if they're the type of company using vigorous avoidance schemes.
My understanding is that for eBooks and other digital downloads, they do. They get around VAT for DVDs and similar items by subbing out to companies on the Channel Islands, which are not in the EU VAT zone, and shipments below a certain value are not subject to import VAT. This is why if you buy 10 DVDs on Amazon, you get 10 distinct shipments and invoices (and your bank might block your credit card because of 10 separate transactions happening simultaneously… I speak from experience).
As far as I know, it would be highly illegal for them to charge VAT and not actually pass it on to HMRC.
