VAT or VRT on N1 to M1 conversion?
I want to purchase a commercial SUV, but I will have to convert the vehicle from an N1 to an M1 category as it will be insured and taxed privately. Am I liable for any VAT or VRT?
Paul Devine (Maynooth)Jan 2020 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
No. If you purchase it as a commercial vehicle, then you will pay the commercial vehicle VRT rate of 13.3 per cent, whether or not you then go on to convert it. There should be no VAT implication either, as you’ll pay the normal VAT rate at the time of purchase. According to Revenue, if you’re converting to M1 status, you only need to make them aware of it if you’re adding seats to the vehicle, but as with all VAT matters, check with your accountant before leaping.
Should a disabled driver buy a new commercial?
I am a disabled driver. Would I be better off to purchase a new five-seat commercial SUV given that I am exempt of VRT and VAT?
Hugh Cormack (Blacklion Co Cavan)Jan 2020 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Hugh,
Sort of, yes. The thing is that there aren’t any five-seat commercial 4x4s anymore — the N1 certification loophole for that kind of car was closed off in 2018, so now five-seat SUVs pay a full rate of VRT. However, if you’re exempt from paying both VRT and VAT then one of those very cars (Toyota Land Cruiser, perhaps? Or maybe a VW Touareg?) would be an ideal car for you as you will be getting one at an effective 50 per cent discount compared to the rest of us. Well worth investigating.
Does the weight of a Hilux matter to tax?
Does a new commercial Toyota Hilux need to be weighed before road tax?
Lillian Montgomery (Fermoy Co.cork)Jan 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Lillian,
No, it’ll be taxed as a commercial and the weight will be taken from its certificate of conformity document. If you want to tax it as a private car, then the weight doesn’t come into it — it switches back to the old by-engine-capacity system.
Where to go to get an EV home charger?
Hi,
Any advice/recommendations for EV home chargers? I’ve ordered an EV and have no clue where to start when choosing what size/type home charger to install.
Any help appreciated.
Many thanks.
Iobhán Smith (Ennis)Jan 2020 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Iobhán,
If you’ve bought a new electric car, talk to the dealer from whom you bought it. All of the major electric car brands have their own charging recommendations and can usually offer you a supply and fitting service. If it’s a second hand one, talk to the guys at ESB e-cars as a first port of call — lots of knowledgable people there and they’re very helpful. As a rule of thumb you’ll need to be able to run a charger with a power output of at least 7.4kW or you’ll not be able to fully charge the car overnight, especially if it’s one of the new big-battery models.
Do I pay the NOx levy if I import my older car?
If I am importing a vehicle from Australia and it is exempt from VRT, as I have owned it for over six months, will it be exempt from this new NOx tax? Revenue states the NOx is calculated as part of VRT. I hope so or else it is a €4,850 bill I was not expecting.
Ed Walton (Waterford)Jan 2020 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Ed,
Yes, theoretically it should be free for the NOx tax as, as you say, that’s calculated as a component of VRT and you are bringing the car to Ireland as part of a change of address.
Does the Peugeot e-208 have cruise control?
Does the electric Peugeot e-208 have cruise control?
Michael Moran (Dublin)Jan 2020 Filed under: optional extras
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
It does indeed. In fact, cruise control will be standard on all versions of the new Peugeot 208, from Active spec on up. Read our Peugeot 208 reviews here
Any change to the taxing of commercials?
Hi,
Has there been any change to the taxing of commercial as private? I bought a 2015 Berlingo van so will I have to pay under the old system?
Thanks in advance
Chris
Chris Lawlee (Buttevant)Jan 2020 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Chris,
No, you’ll be grand. If the vehicle was originally registered as a commercial then it will retain that designation. The change in the rules only affected cars registered from July 2018.
Is motor tax going up in 2020?
Is motor tax going up in 2020 before the budget? I have a 1.4 Skoda Octavia.
Gerry O Reilly (Limerick)Jan 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Gerry,
No, motor tax hasn’t been changed for 2020, so you’ll pay the same as last year. The only change to the tax system is the introduction of the new NOx emissions tax, but that only applies if you’re buying a new car or importing a used car from abroad.
Extra NOx levy for imported Mokka?
Hi,
I've just bought a 2014 Mokka Techline CDTi (120g/km) and just heard about the NOx levy; what should I expect to pay extra on top of €1,680 VRT? Help, as I'm registering it on Jan 6.
Thank you
Lynnnoone Noone (Donegal Moville )Jan 2020 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Lynn,
It’s not going to be cheap I’m afraid. According to the best figures we can find, a 2014 1.7 CDTi Opel/Vauxhall Mokka has NOx emissions of 133mg/km. On the new NOx tax of €5 per mg for the first 60mg, €15 per mg between 60 and 80mg and €25 per mg above that, you’re looking at a NOx tax cost of €1,925 ON TOP of the normal VRT cost (which is going to be around €1,700 or so).
Cost to change up to newer Mercedes E-Class?
I need to upgrade from 2015 Mercedes E 220 to say 2017 model. How much?
Tom Sheridan (Galway)Dec 2019 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Tom,
OK, well your 2015 E-Class (condition and service history being equal) should be worth around €17-18,000 on a trade-in, and 2017 E-Classes cost around €30-33,000 (there are cheaper ones out there but beware of those with poor history) so you’ll need to find in the region of €13,000 to €15,000 for the trade-up.