Should an older camper mean vintage VRT?

I imported a 1972 Volkswagen T2  van from Europe. It is quite basic and not fully done up yet or restored. Revenue want to charge €800 VRT despite me paying only €800 for it when I bought it. I am being charged as a camper van, but I expected to be charged the flat vintage rate of €200 as it is over 40 years old. Should I not have been taxed the vintage rate? They say that is only for cars, but the website does not state that. It says all vintage vehicles and the VW T2 is a vehicle is it not?

Great if you could advise.

Ellen Armie (Dublin)

Jun 2018 Filed under: VRT

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Expert answer

Hi Ellen,

Yes, theoretically I’d say you’re absolutely right. A classic VW T2 should be considered a classic, and not as a camper or anything else. To be honest, Revenue can be pretty useless when it comes to assessing VRT on classics and vintage cars, because the market in Ireland is so small for cars like that. What you’ll probably have to do is (unfortunately) pay the VRT up front, and then challenge it.

Get on to your local classic car club, or better yet a VW owners club for some expert opinion (in writing, of course) and maybe get your solicitor to draw you up a letter outlining why it’s a classic and not a camper. You should get a rebate, but it may take some time and effort.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe