Is a newer petrol car cheaper to tax?
I have a 1990 Mercedes petrol car and the tax is expensive, if I bought a 2012 petrol car would the tax be cheaper?
Pat CampionlaoisSep 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
Yup, such are the vagaries of the CO2-based tax system that we switched to in 2008. The idea was to reward those choosing vehicles with lower emissions, and that is often most starkly shown up when you start looking at older cars with larger engines versus newer models, which probably have much more power, but have smaller, more efficient engines. Of course there’s an argument that says that keeping an old car going, rather than buying a new one, is actually overall better for the environment, but that’s not going to wash with the tax authorities I’m afraid.
Taxes for a wheelchair user of a new van?
Hi,
I have to get a new car/van to use and transport my wheelchair . I have read your article on tax and I am wondering if I can buy a small van, i.e. Berlingo or such like, and what tax and charges would I be liable for please?
Margaret Gibson (Letterkenny, Co. Donegal)Sep 2020 Filed under: wheelchair
Expert answer
Hi Margaret,
In theory, as a disabled driver, you’re allowed to be exempted from, or able to receive a rebate of, both VRT and VAT on a new car purchase, and the VAT on any costs of conversion to suit your needs. However, right now while the tax relief scheme is not suspended, the issuing of Primary Medical Certificates is — thanks to a high court ruling that has thrown the system that assess people for PMCs into confusion. It’s hoped that the scheme will be back on track soon, but the short answer is that we don’t know when that will be.
Is it cheaper to tax an LPG-fuelled car?
Does a 3.2 petrol engine converted to LPG, a 2000 model, qualify for a tax reduction based on CO2 emissions being certified by the NCT centre?
Tommy Carey (Moate. Co Westmeath )Sep 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Tommy,
Sorry, but no. As far as Revenue and the motor tax system are concerned, a car will always be taxed on its original, homologated figure, whether that be the engine’s swept capacity or its CO2 emissions. An LPG conversion is considered an aftermarket modification and so isn’t taken into account for tax purposes.
How much to import a UK Citroen Berlingo?
Hi,
How much would it cost to change the English plates on a Citroen Berlingo 1.6 diesel, 2016 reg?
Colman Burke (Sligo)Sep 2020 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Colman,
Well, it depends. If it’s a van, then you’ll pay 13.3 per cent Vehicle Registration Tax, based on the vehicle’s Irish market value, which would be around €8-9,000. Which would mean in and around the €1,000 mark, depending on the model and spec. If it’s a Berlingo passenger version, then you’re looking at a VRT cost of around €4,500, including the NOx levy (and assuming a NOx figure of 158mg/km).
How much to tax an Amarok privately?
Hi,
I’m looking to buy a 2.0-litre Volkswagen Amarok for my VAT reg’d business, but also want to use it with the family. How much is the private tax?
Thanks
Aiden O Connor (Dublin)Sep 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Aiden,
You will pay the princely sum of €710 for a year’s private car tax for a 2.0-litre Amarok. One of the benefits of VW’s decision to go with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine instead of a larger unit.
I gave my car for scrappage to a fraudster...
I stupidly gave a car I wanted scrapped to a fraudster and now I'm getting renewal motor tax forms for it as it's still registered in my name. What can I do to stop this now?
Jimmy Gallagher (Bettystown)Sep 2020 Filed under: scrappage
Expert answer
Hi Jimmy,
OK, first of all have you reported all of this to the Gardaí? That should definitely be your first port of call. When reporting, ask the Guards for an incident number or a case number, and then write to your local motor tax office, explaining the circumstances, quoting the incident number and if possible the name of the investigating Garda. That should be enough to clear it up, but it would also be a good idea to have a chat with your solicitor about it.
Can I, as a private driver, buy a crew cab?
Recently returned home from Australia, looking at buying second hand Land Rover Discovery or Range Rover. I’m confused with the commercial crew cab idea. If I buy a crew cab as a private driver, no small business or VAT number, can I drive it and get it taxed commercially or am I going to make trouble for myself?
Cheers
Paul
Paul Lynch (Nenagh)Sep 2020 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
Short answer: yes. The good bit is that you can still pick up second hand crew-cabs, or large SUVs that (briefly, technically) qualified as commercial vehicles and they are generally cheaper to buy than their regular passenger car counterparts. However, if you tax such a vehicle as a commercial, you can only use it as such — no social, domestic, nor pleasure use and there are some hefty fines if you’re caught out.
Is the Citroen Ami taxable on Irish roads?
Is the Citroen Ami taxable on Irish roads?
Sean Coyne (Killarney)Aug 2020 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
There’s no reason that it wouldn’t be possible to import a Citroen Ami to Ireland. However, it is only being produced in left-hand drive with no plans currently in place for right-hand-drive models. It’s also worth noting that the Ami doesn’t have a very powerful electric motor and has a top speed of only 45km/h making it only useful in cities and urban areas.
Can I tax my small van privately?
I have a small van and I have commercial insurance. Can I tax it privately?
Anna Smith (Galway)Aug 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Anna,
Yes, you can, and all you have to do is get in touch with your local motor tax office. However, you’ll need to let your insurer know of the change of use too, and that may affect your premium.
How much to tax a 2012 Volvo XC70?
How much to tax a 2012 Volvo XC70. 2.4 D5 automatic?
John Finnan (Tipperary)Aug 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi John,
That model has CO2 emissions of 179g/km, so will have annual motor tax of €750.