ASK-Solutions

This differs by activity and situation. There may be a fixed or previously agreed amount, only certain materials or parts may be charged, a lower amount may be agreed based on someone’s ability to pay, or the activity may take place without payment.

For some small jobs, it is not practical to determine a meaningful amount beforehand. Very little consumable material may be needed, for example, while investigating, taking something apart, treating it, testing it and putting it back together are all still part of what is done together. In such a situation, ASK-Solutions may afterwards ask what amount someone considers appropriate for the activity that was carried out.

The specific circumstances, materials and facilities required, the nature and extent of the activity and, where appropriate, the participant’s ability to pay can therefore all play a part in the financial arrangement.

Yes. Where this fits the activity, the objectives and the specific circumstances, ASK-Solutions can take someone’s ability to pay into account. This does not mean that a lower rate automatically applies to every activity; what is appropriate and practically possible is considered for each situation.

This can occur, for example, with activities around digital self-reliance, where limited financial means may play a part alongside a knowledge or practical question. A workspace can then be used for a lower amount or support can take place without payment.

Equipment can also be made available without payment in an appropriate situation. A refurbished laptop can, for example, be given to someone for whom access to a usable computer forms part of the practical support. Whether this is possible depends in part on the situation, the activity and the equipment and resources available.

Not every short question, repair or practical task is calculated by the hour or by each individual material used. Sometimes little time or material is needed, consumable costs cannot meaningfully be attributed separately, or it only becomes clear during the investigation what actually needs to be done.

A small repair may, for example, involve investigating together what is wrong, taking something apart, cleaning or treating it, testing it and then putting it back together without requiring a new part. In such a case, it is not always useful to assign a separate price afterwards to every minute or small quantity of consumable material.

In such a situation, ASK-Solutions may ask for no payment, suggest an appropriate amount or ask what someone considers the activity carried out to be worth. If an amount is then paid for what was actually done, it is recorded as a payment connected with that activity.

We look at the reason for which the amount is given. When an amount is directly connected with a specific activity, supply, repair or other performance, we treat it as a payment connected with that activity. This can also be the case when no fixed price was agreed beforehand and the person determines the amount themselves.

A donation is a voluntary contribution to ASK-Solutions that is not given as payment for a specific activity, supply or other agreed performance. Payments connected with activities and donations are therefore recorded separately in the administration.

Not when the amount is separate from a specific payment arrangement or consideration. During open walk-in activities and activities around social interaction and participation, someone may, for example, come in for a conversation, have coffee or tea, sometimes be offered something to eat or use practical facilities without being asked to pay for them.

If someone in such a situation wants to give something to ASK-Solutions out of appreciation, we treat this as a voluntary gift or donation. The ability to come in or make use of the hospitality does not depend on giving such an amount.

This differs from an amount paid directly for, for example, a repair that was carried out, a workshop or another specific activity.

An invoice is used when an amount is charged administratively and an invoice fits the arrangement that was made. This is common, for example, when an organisation is paying, when payment afterwards has been agreed or when the amount, description and payment term need to be formally recorded.

The invoice states what the amount relates to, the amount due, the applicable tax treatment and the payment term and payment details.

Not every payment has to be made through an invoice. Other agreed payment methods can also be used for activities at a location or for small amounts.

ASK-Solutions applies the VAT margin scheme to certain used goods. This scheme can be used when a used item was acquired under the conditions that apply to margin goods, for example when it was obtained from a private individual without deductible VAT.

Under the margin scheme, VAT is not calculated on the full selling price but on the margin between the purchase price and the selling price. The VAT amount is therefore not shown separately on the invoice and cannot be deducted by the buyer as a separately stated VAT amount.

On an invoice for used goods to which this scheme applies, this is indicated as margin scheme – second-hand goods. On a receipt or other practical display, the term margin may also be used.

ASK-Solutions carries out different kinds of activities. VAT applies to some of them, while other activities fall under a VAT exemption. This may be the case, for example, for educational activities or for certain social or societal activities for which an exemption applies.

The applicable VAT treatment depends on the nature of the specific activity and the conditions that apply to the relevant exemption. Where an activity is exempt, no VAT is charged on the payment and the applicable exemption is stated on the invoice where required.

There is also no separate VAT amount shown on the invoice for used goods to which the margin scheme applies. This is not a VAT exemption: under the margin scheme, VAT is calculated in a different way. See the question about margin on an invoice or receipt.

This depends on the activity, the size of the amount and the arrangement made. Some amounts are paid directly or in advance, while organisations and collaborating parties may in other situations receive an invoice with a payment term.

For a larger amount or a longer programme, an advance payment or payment in instalments can also be agreed where this is practical. The arrangement made, quotation or invoice is leading in that case.

For an invoice, the amount due, payment term and payment details are stated on the invoice itself. When making a bank transfer, include the invoice number so that the payment can be matched to the correct invoice.

General bank and organisation details are also available on the organisation details page. Other agreed payment methods can also be used for activities at a location.