Looking to buy a van for private use...
I'm looking at buying a Ford Transit Connect LWB 1.5L (2018-2020 ish). I'm going to be using it privately, travelling Ireland with boards and camping stuff in the back. I'm unsure of how to go about taxing and insuring it privately. I'm getting quotes at the moment but it's looking more complicated than I had anticipated.
Few questions here:
1. Do I need to do anything to switch the van from commercial to private use? I've heard about possible VRT, but I can't seem to find any info online about that apart from imported vehicles.
2. Is taxing and insuring as straightforward as doing so with a regular car? I'm aware that AXA who I’m currently with for a car won't privately insure me in a van so I'm checking with insuremyvan.ie
3. CVRT - I know it's more expensive than NCT and is yearly, but is this as simple to get done?
4. Are there any other problems that I might run into if I do buy a van to use privately? I'm pretty clueless on how any of this works.
Rebekah Steele (Bray)Jun 2024 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Rebekah,
1: You'll need to inform your local motor tax office of the change of use of the vehicle. VRT is only paid the first time a vehicle is registered in Ireland so don't worry about that. Your annual motor tax rate will be different to the fixed commercial vehicle tax, however. It will be calculated based on the engine size. The table of prices is the top one in our Motor Tax Prices in Ireland Explained guide.
2: Taxing is straightforward, as above. Insuring a van for private use can be trickier so take your time and shop around on that before you commit to buying the vehicle.
3: Correct, it's no more complicated, really, and a modern van like you're looking at should sail through for many years.
For further reading check out Buying a van for private use on our van website, CompleteVan.ie.
Will this Northern Ireland import be VAT and duty-free?
Hi.
I'm looking at importing a car from Northern Ireland - first reg June 2020 in Northern Ireland. Am I correct in reading the very complicated rules as needing to pay VRT, plates and motor tax, but not having to pay customs and VAT?
Is the V5C sufficient, or will I need the dealer to provide import/shipping info too?
Many thanks
David
David Forde (Kilkenny)Apr 2024 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi David,
Yes, our understanding is that VAT and import duty will not be required on that car.
I'd suggest you obtain as much information as possible in terms of documentation that might prove the car has been in the North since 2020. If that information is on the V5C then it should indeed be sufficient.
Is this true about VAT importing from the North?
I have a UK-reg Audi A6. I purchased it in March 2023. I am now moved to the south but have been refused a TOR [Transfer of Residency]. While I wait an appeal I have to clear the car. Do I have to pay 23 per cent VAT and import duty? I have heard that if you have proof that the car has been in Northern Ireland for four months then it is exempt from VAT. Is this true?
Matthew McGloin (Kinlough)Apr 2024 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Matthew,
I'm afraid it's not as simple as that at all. Take a read of our Guide to importing a car from Northern Ireland to fully understand the situation.
Looking to import a camper from the UK
Looking to import a 1995 campervan from the UK. I understand VRT is at 13.3 per cent. Will I be liable for VAT or other customs charges?
Thanks
JF
John Filbert (Slane)Apr 2024 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi John,
Yes, you should also be liable for VAT at 23 per cent (of the price you pay for the vehicle plus the cost to ship it to Ireland), and import duty at 10 per cent.
Can I use the new motor tax system on a commercial?
Hi,
I see that you answered a previous question asking about changing a commercial Kuga to a private vehicle. Your answer was yes but the tax would go by the old cc (engine size) taxation method. Is it possible to change from commercial tax to the newer CO2 system?
Brian Lalor (Laois)Nov 2023 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
I'm afraid not. Seems crazy, doesn't it?
Can I tax a crew cab vehicle for private use?
Hi,
Could you please tell me if I can buy a crew cab vehicle and tax it legally if I don't own a registered business? Will the tax office tax it for me without a big rigmarole?
Thank you.
Shane Lloyd (BALLYHAUNIS)Aug 2023 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Shane,
You can indeed, though you'll need to tax it for private use, not commercial use. That means the annual motor tax rate goes by the engine size, not the CO2 emissions (and not the fixed commercial vehicle rate).
Just get in touch with your local motor tax office to tell them and it shouldn't be difficult.
Read the Buying a van for private use over on our sibling site CompleteVan.ie for more.
What are the taxes on importing a hearse?
Hi,
We are thinking of importing a Mercedes Hearsette from the UK (2021). As a commercial vehicle, can you advise what charges we will incur?
Many thanks, Fran
Pierce Coachbuilders Ltd Barry Pierce (Co Kerry)Apr 2023 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Fran,
Full hearses are classified as Category C for VRT purposes as a "listed vehicle". The VRT is fixed at just €200.
However, you still must complete a Customs import declaration before the car arrives, and you are likely to be liable for customs duty (at 10 per cent) and VAT (at 23 per cent) on the value of the car.
Do I need to pay VAT on this CLA import?
I got a 2013 CLA from Newry that arrived before Brexit but wasn’t registered in NI and was sold back to England. I’m unable to get my VRT done as they say I need to pay VAT also. Is there any way around this?
Adedapo Aderibigbe (Kildare)Mar 2023 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Adedapo,
We don't seen any way you can avoid that, I'm afraid, as the car was first registered in England and is there now (if we are understanding that correctly).
How much tax do I pay to use this van privately?
I'm planning to buy a van that has been used and taxed as a commercial vehicle, but I will use it as private vehicle. Since it has paid tax for almost a full year do I just pay the difference in price or I'll have to pay the full amount?
Marko Tot (Killarney)Mar 2023 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Marko,
To be 100 per cent sure, look up your local motor tax office on this page and give them a call. Talk them through the situation and see what they say.
Can I claim back VAT on a car lease?
As a sole trader can I claim back the VAT on a car lease?
Adrian Doyle (Wexford)Jan 2023 Filed under: finance
Expert answer
Hi Adrian,
For the most part yes. This is from Revenue: "In the case of leasing VAT deductibility is based on 20% of the monthly leasing charges."