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Hi Shane,

Assuming it has the 1.6 TDI engine then it’ll cost you €514 per year. 

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Hi Mark,

There was indeed a clampdown on crew-cabs and five-seat SUVs qualifying for commercial rate VRT and tax, but being as (a) this Defender pre-dates the clampdown and (b) it has a separate and un-glazed cargo compartment, it should just squeak through. 

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Hi Jakub,

It certainly should do, but my advice would be to check carefully with the company’s accountant before proceeding. 

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Hi Bryan,

With a commercial vehicle, if you tax it privately, you’re put back on the old engine-capacity tax system, so that’s going to be €951 a year to tax.

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Hi Alaina,

You can, but some buyers have found it difficult to get private insurance for vehicles that are generally defined as commercials. As ever, Irish insurance companies like to throw obstacles in your path… My advice would be to get hold of a good broker who can possibly help you navigate the system. 

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Hi Tanya,

It sounds to us like the alternator may have been struggling to produce enough electrical power and that perhaps your battery could do with replacement. If the problem has not reoccurred then it's nothing to worry about, but no harm getting your battery checked before winter sets in.

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Hi Fintan,

In theory, a herd number might be sufficient, but basically it’s down to the local motor tax office with which you’re dealing. Basically, there’s two threads here — the first is that the vehicle must be an appropriate one for commercial use, and the second is that you must show some sort of documentation that proves that you require the use of such a vehicle. We checked with the Department of Transport, and here’s the reply we received:

"Motor tax is based on both the construction and use of a vehicle.  To be taxed as a goods vehicle, a vehicle must be constructed or adapted as a goods vehicle and must be used solely for the carrying of goods in the course of trade or business.  Under Article 3 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 1992 (S.I. 385 of 1992), a licensing authority (motor tax office) must be satisfied that the licence (motor tax disc) being applied for is the appropriate licence for the vehicle concerned.   It is open to the relevant motor tax office to seek whatever documentation it deems appropriate in support of an application for a particular rate of motor tax.  In the case of an application for the goods rate of motor tax, such documentation may include a certificate of commercial insurance, a Tax Clearance Certificate, evidence of registration for tax or registration for VAT (if turnover for VAT exceeds the relevant thresholds set down by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners) or, at the discretion of the licensing authority, any other appropriate documentation that would indicate that the applicant is in trade or business. It is up to the individual concerned to provide whatever evidence is required by the licensing authority in order for it to be satisfied that the applicant is entitled to claim what is in effect a concessionary rate of tax."

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Hi Andrew,

In theory, you can register and tax a commercial vehicle without a VAT number, but it’s tricky. Generally speaking, you have to show that your business is registered for tax before you can apply for commercial rate motor tax, but there certainly have been individual cases of people explaining that they have a small business that’s not VAT-registered, but still need a van for their work, and the tax office has taken a lenient view. Your best bet is to fill in an RF111 form, use your PPS number instead of a VAT number and then explain your circumstances to your local motor tax office. And hope for the best.

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Hi Leslie,

I would double-check this with your local motor tax office, but in theory a Land Cruiser Utility will be charged at 13.3 per cent VRT of the Irish Open Market Selling Price. The short-wheelbase Land Cruiser retails at €43,950 new in Ireland, so it’s going to be a fair chunk of VRT, plus if it’s a new car you’ll have to pay the VAT on top of that. 

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Hi Mark,

Actually, the rules on this are a little unclear, because the examples given by Revenue don’t relate to a bike as old as yours with as little mileage. I think the best thing to do is to get onto your local motor tax office and check with them before making any decisions.