Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

It depends on what you mean. Are you bringing a new car into the country and then sending it straight on out again? Theoretically, if the vehicle were in the state for less than seven days, then you would not have to inform Revenue of it being here, and would therefore — yes — be exempt from paying any VRT or VAT on it.

However, to cover yourself, it would be prudent to communicate your plans with Revenue first, and possibly ask for a letter from them, stating that they know of the fact that the car is coming into the country but leaving again before VRT is due.

Expert answer

Hi Dave,

As long as it’s more than 30 years old, no. The NOx tax is a component of VRT, not a separate tax in itself, so it falls under the VRT exemption for classic cars. 

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Hi John,

In general, we would suggest that you’re spot on with that — you’ll be able to charge the monthly outlay as a routine business expense, but won’t be able to claim for depreciation or maintenance. Having said that, please remember that we’re not tax accountants and so we’d definitely advise checking with your own accountant before making any hard and fast decisions.

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Hi Tomas,

Well, the NOx tax isn’s about the size of the engine, it’s about the NOx emissions, which are not specifically related to the size. It could be worth getting on to the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, who may be able to provide you with a specific NOx figure for the car you’re talking about, but otherwise, just be thankful it’s not a diesel — those are subject to a maximum €4,850 extra in NOx tax if you can’t provide an accurate figure. 

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Hi Stasys,

Cheaper motor tax is available for classic cars, but it starts when they are over 30 years old. Read this for more information: Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained

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Hi Anthony,

Basically, if you’re taxing a commercial vehicle for private use, you revert to the old by-engine-capacity tax system, so for a Navara with a 2.5-litre engine, that’ll cost you €1,080 a year, compared to €333 a year for commercial tax. 

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Hi Paul,

You can, but as for insurance that’s a piece-of-string question — it depends as much on your own personal record and no-claims bonus than on the car. For tax, I’m assuming that this is a 1.8 TDCi model? If so, that’ll set you back €636 for a year’s tax as a private car. 

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Hi Ed,

OK, this one takes a bit of deciphering. I’m guessing that you mean you own two Mercedes-Benz models, both using the 2.1-litre diesel four-cylinder engine. I’m also assuming that you’re talking about the cost of motor tax, although the €290 figure is a little odd — did you mis-type when you meant either €280 (for Band B2) or €390 (for Band C)?

The discrepancy could be down to a number of factors. You don’t, for example, state which models you’re talking about — E-Class? C-Class? Coupe? Convertible? Estate? Do both cars have automatic transmissions? Are they both on the same size wheels? Were they both manufactured in the same year? There’s a huge variation in vehicle emissions and, if you’re talking about the gap between Band C and Band D, it takes only a single g/km of CO₂ to tip from one to the other. 

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Hi Kieran,

Luckily, the 2016 Octavia 110hp 1.6 TDI has an exceptionally efficient engine in terms of NOx, and will only cost you an additional €480 or thereabouts. The rest of the VRT bill should be in the region of €2,000 or so, depending on what options are fitted to the car.

Expert answer

Hi Ol,

No, sadly not. The only way you can reduce the tax cost of your car depending on use is to apply for a SORN declaration that the vehicle is off the road for a period of time. The minimum period is three months, and the maximum is a year, although you can have the declaration continued if needed.