An unusual import situation for you...

I bought a car up north last January, had to pay the VAT on it. Gearbox then went, eventually got the car back this December, after a lot of arguments. Have to pay VRT now. How do I go about it because the car was here in January?  Any help?

Keith Higgins

Jan 2021 Filed under: importing

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Expert answer

Hi Keith,

OK, this isn’t a normal import situation, clearly, so I would — first off — gather up every single piece of paper, receipt and email that shows how this all unfolded. Technically speaking, the regulations make no allowances for mechanical defects, and you should have booked the appointment for inspection and VRT valuation at the time in January. However, given that the defect would have materially affected the value of the car,  not to mention your consumer rights, you might be able to argue your case. Get on to Revenue straight away though. Any delay starts to look like you’re trying to pull a fast one. 

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe