Do I need an insurance green card now?
I will be travelling from Wales via Holyhead by car. I am old enough to remember "green cards" for motorists on continental roads; will I require one when driving in the Irish Republic?
Eddy Rowlands, Anglesey
Eddy Rowlands (Beaumaris)Dec 2020 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi Eddy,
Unfortunately, yes you will. Thanks to the debacle that is Brexit, any UK drivers coming to Ireland after Dec 31 2020 will need to have a green card for insurance. Worth getting an international driving licence too...
Can I claim back VRT importing to NI?
I live in the Northern Ireland. If I buy a new car from a dealer in the Republic, can I claim back the VRT and pay UK import duties? Would this be financially wise?
Jackie Rodgers (DERRY)Dec 2020 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Jackie,
Yes, but there’s a better way to do it. If you’re buying from a dealer, it would be easier for them to claim back the VRT at the point of export, and sell you the car at the ex-VRT price. Not all dealers will be happy to do this but it’s worth asking the question. As a private buyer with UK residency, you’ll have to jump through a lot of hoops to claim back the VRT yourself.
Will my BMW 220i's tax change in 2021?
Hi,
I'm considering buying a car in the UK. It is a BMW 220i and has a 1,998cc engine. I would hope to have it registered in Ireland before the end of Dec 2020. I understand that the motor tax on higher-emitting engines is going to change from 2021, but is it likely that the tax on this car would be increased greatly?
Thank you for your assistance.
Mary
Mary Newe (Dublin)Dec 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
If you do manage to get it registered before the end of this month (if you've not already got a VRT appointment, I'm afraid to tell you that you are unlikely to now) then your car will be taxed on its NEDC CO2 rating, which I believe is 127g/km. That means €270 per annum now and no change for 2021. These guides might be of interest:
When is the updated Kia Picanto here?
When is the updated Kia Picanto going on sale in Ireland?
Colum Madden (Galway)Dec 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Colum,
The facelifted Picanto is the one Kia Ireland is now marketing and pricing on its website. We spoke to our contact there and he confirmed that cars are already arriving into Ireland now and your local dealer should be able to talk to you about pricing and availability.
How to change tax status of a Land Rover?
Hi,
I'm considering buying a secondhand Land Rover within Ireland that has been classed as commercial for tax purposes by the current owner. However, I'd like to use and tax it for private use, which I think can be done by paying the higher rate of tax after purchase. However, I'm a bit stumped as to how to do it! The Revenue forms to change the class of taxation say I should have insurance in order to request a change in the tax class. However I am unable to get insurance for a commercial vehicle in my name. It seems without the insurance I can't change the tax class but I am unable to get insurance based on the current tax class the car is registered in.
Seems a bit of a catch-22, can you help?
Thanks!
Sheila Hopkins (Lifford)Dec 2020 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Sheila,
Well, in theory the only thing you need to do to change the tax status of a car is to call your local motor tax office and tell them that’s what you want to do. As far as insurance is concerned, I think it would be a good idea to have a chat will a well-connected broker, who might be better placed to help you out. You might be able to find a policy that will allow you to insure the Land Rover as a private car even before it has been officially switched over, or possibly one that starts as a commercial policy but changes over once you’ve got the conversion.
How much is the VW Grand California?
Will the Grand California ever be available in California? How much do they go for?
Thanks!
Robert
Robert Young (Sonoma)Dec 2020 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Robert,
We don't believe there are any plans to officially sell the Grand California in the USA anywhere. Here in Ireland it costs from €79,920.
I am importing a motorbike from the UK...
Hi,
I want to import a motorcycle from mainland UK. I have a couple of questions about the registration documents required. My bike will be brought into Ireland inside a van. What document do I need to produce to prove the date of entry into Ireland? Does the V5c needs to be in my name? I am asking because I am buying from a dealer and not sure how long it takes for the V5c to comeback with my name or how does it work?
Cesar Scrochi (Dublin)Dec 2020 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Cesar,
No, you don’t specifically need the V5c. And it doesn’t really matter that the bike is coming over in a van. What is important is that you have seven days to book your appointment at your nearest NCT centre, and 30 days to complete the process of VRT payment and registration.
What you will need is proof of sale (an invoice for the bike with your name on it); proof of date of entry (a ferry ticket will do); proof of your ID and address (utility bill etc); and your PPSN number.
How much to tax a 1.6 Caddy privately?
How much is it to tax a 1.6 Caddy privately?
Martin Dillon (Galway)Nov 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
To tax a commercial vehicle privately, it goes by the old engine size categorisation, regardless of age. Hence, the 1.6 Caddy would cost €514 per annum.
See Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained for more.
Can I reclaim VAT paid on a UK import?
Hi,
I plan to buy a July 2020 car in the UK. I understand that I will pay Irish VAT along with the VRT and that I can reclaim the UK VAT from the UK government once the vehicle is registered in Ireland. Is this correct?
Many thanks
Gerry O'Brien
Gerry O'BRIEN (Ashbourne)Nov 2020 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Gerry,
Yes, that’s right. You need to fill out form VAT411, which allows a private individual — whether you are registered for VAT or not — to reclaim the VAT. However, there will be an extra cost involved — UK VAT is charged at 20 per cent, but Irish VAT is 21 per cent (temporarily)...
Can I buy a VW Transporter in 2021?
I would like to buy a Volkswagen Transporter in 2021. I do not have business or VAT numbers. I know I can insure it privately, but can I tax it privately and if so for roughly what money?
Fiona Moran (DUBLIN)Nov 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Fiona,
It's easy to tax it privately, as well. You just need to inform your local Motor Tax Office of the change of category. The price is then based on the engine size. Assuming it has a 1,968cc engine, then that'll set you back €710 per annum. Read Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained for more.