Can I tax this Defender as a commercial?
Hi,
I'm just wondering about taxing a vehicle as commercial. I read your article on it but what if the vehicle (1998 Defender 110) only has three seats, no back seats and is classified as a commercial van? Can I still tax it without a VAT number etc, or will I have to pay full private vehicle tax?
Martin McMahon (Crinstown, Maynooth)Dec 2019 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
If the car is registered as a commercial vehicle, and that’s how you’re using it (strictly no social, domestic, nor pleasure motoring) then yes, absolutely, you can tax it as a commercial.
Looking to import a Ford Transit...
Hi,
I am looking to import a Ford Transit Custom crew cab six-seat with separate cargo area. I'm not sure on the VRT charges due to all the changes at the start of 2019. Can you advise me on what charges I will be liable for? I tried contacting Revenue, but unfortunately no response!
Many thanks
Seamus O'Connor (Balbriggan)Dec 2019 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Seamus,
If it’s a crew cab with a separate cargo area then that should (emphasis on the 'should') count as a van and will therefore qualify for 13.3 per cent commercial VRT.
Can we claim back VAT on a five-seat SUV?
Can a company claim back VAT on a five-seat SUV?
Deirdre , Galway
Deirdre Dunne (Galway)Dec 2019 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Deirdre,
Not any more, I’m afraid. The government closed off the loophole in the tax system that allowed five-seat SUVs with big boots to be classed as vans for tax purposes. That was all shut down in July 2018. Now, it’s always worth checking with your accountant, and you can claim back VAT against five-seat crew-cab pickups and vans, but in general the claiming back on SUVs has gone, now.
Can I add seats to my van?
For a van with (J) N1 (J.1) C (J.5) 2359 (V.7) 217: this vehicle is currently taxed at commercial rate. If the number of seats were increased from three to include two more in the back, what are the VRT implications and tax class implications in relation to cost for this conversion? The vehicle has been imported.
Phil
Phil McKeown (ARMAGH)Dec 2019 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Phil,
It depends on the specific vehicle. Some vans retain their N1 classification if converted to a crew-cab, so your best bet is to contact your local tax office to get the specific details for your van.
Can I tax a commercial vehicle as private?
Hi there,
I am looking for an option here. I am soon to change job. The options will be a company car or a car allowance. I would like to think I would be better off with the allowance as this will be a gross amount added to my wages and then taxed instead of a net amount taken directly from my wages. Probably the same amount but in reverse, but with the allowance I won't be down per month. I am wondering how possible it is to tax some commercial vehicles (the ones with back seats) as private vehicles. Is this allowed? Is there any law against this? Obviously this will increase the road tax on them anyway, but it will give me more options as am just considering these as an option.
Thanks.
Brian Murphy (Cork)Dec 2019 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
It’s pretty simple to tax a commercial vehicle as a private car, but it does mean reverting to the old by-engine-capacity tax system, so beware of going over 2.0 litres in engine capacity as the tax cost starts to become prohibitive after that point.
Read our Buying a commercial vehicle for private use feature on the subject for more.
Can I commercialise a new Range Rover?
Hi, I recently spoke with the owner of a second hand BMW X5 and he has commercialised the car by taking out the middle safety belt for the second row. This basically turns it into a four-seater and apparently a commercial, like the Ford Kuga. My question is: is this legal and ok with Revenue, Customs etc? And if so is it possible to do the same with a brand new Range Rover Sport?
Thank you. Martin
Martin O’Meara (Schull)Dec 2019 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
It depends on the age of the X5 as to whether this works. As long as it was registered pre-July 2018, then yeah — it’s fine and legal, although rather more in the letter of the law than the spirit. As for a new Range Rover Sport, the answer is no — that tax loophole was a closed off last year, so no-go I’m afraid.
How much VRT on a Lamborghini Gallardo?
Hi, I was wondering would you have any idea on the VRT of the following car:
Year: 2005
Mileage: 67191
Seats: 2
Colour: Silver
Drive Side: Right-hand drive
Transmission: Manual
Power: 520
Fuel: Petrol
Engine Size: 4,961cc
Manufacturer: Lamborghini
Metallic Paint: Yes
Model: Gallardo
Safety Features: Driver Airbag, Passenger Airbag, Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Immobiliser, Safety Belt Pretensioners, Xenon headlights, Four Wheel Drive, Alarm
Body Type: Coupe
Interior/Comfort Options: Air Conditioning, Climate Control, Central Locking, Leather Seats, Electric Adjustable Seats, Electric heated seats, Electric Windows, Power-assisted Steering (PAS), Tilt Steering Wheel
Doors: 2
In-Car Audio: AM/FM Stereo, CD Player, Navigation System
Nov 2019 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
Basically, rocking up to an inspection with a Lamborghini is a licence for Revenue to charge you whatever it fancies… I wouldn’t be surprised to see a VRT bill of more than €30-40,000 for this one.
Which Outlander PHEV to go for?
Hey there, I love your site, the content is great and I have been reading it for a while now. I have a question you might be able to help me with.
I am looking to buy a used Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and have two options as per below and would love your opinion on which one to go for - basically the highest spec version of the second generation model for €17.5k or the second highest spec version of the third-generation version for €19.5k...
Option 1 - 2015(1) Second Generation PHEV 5hs
- This is the top of the line spec with red leather interior, all heated seats, Alpine stereo system
- This one has 23k miles on the clock
- Price - €17,500 (with a trade-in for my banged up Opel Meriva)
Option 2 - 2015 (2) Third Generation PHEV 4hs
- This is the newer model of the PHEV
- It is high spec but not quite as many bells and whistles as the above
- This one has 30k miles on the clock
- Price - €19,500 (with the trade-in)
Thank you
Patrick Conway (Dublin)Nov 2019 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
We’d go for the slightly later, slightly more expensive Outlander, and sacrifice a couple of options. That update was a major one, not just on the styling front, but on the mechanical front too. The second-generation Outlander PHEV was more refined than before, and there were some significant improvements to the electric part of the powertrain, which make it both a bit quicker under electric-only power, and a bit more economical overall.
Difference between the Skoda Fabia trims?
What is the difference between the Skoda Fabia Style and the Skoda Fabia Ambition?
Ben Jackson (LIMERICK)Nov 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ben,
Ambition is the Skoda Fabia’s mid-level trim, one up from a basic Active. Prices for the cheapest Fabia Ambition start at €17,000 and standard equipment includes 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, leather multi-function steering wheel, front and rear electric windows, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connection, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear reading lights and an umbrella stashed under the front passenger seat.
A €19,900 Style upgrades all that with extra toys such as 16-inch alloy wheels, manual air conditioning, rear parking sensors, keyless ignition and entry, automatic headlights, a front centre armrest and height adjustable seats.
How much to tax a commercial Santa Fe?
Can you please tell me how much my tax would be on a Santa Fe 2.0-litre commercial SUV, but with private tax cause I don’t have a VAT number? The car has only two seats.
Naomi Campbell (Tipperary )Oct 2019 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Naomi,
Quick question — are you sure it’s a 2.0-litre? Only most Santa Fes since 2006 have had a 2.2-litre diesel engine. If it is indeed a 2.0-litre, then taxing it as a private vehicle will set you back €710. If it does turn out to have a 2.2 then that’s going to be €951.