Getting a commercial vehicle for private use - is it possible?

some_dose

Given the new laws in relation the purchasing of commercial vehicles (i.e. requiring a VAT number), it has made it impossible for people to buy vans for personal use. However, I was wondering if it was possible to get around the system.

For example, if I were to buy a Land Rover Discovery 7 seater, could I take out the back 5 seats and block up the windows and then tax it as a commercial? Would they still catch you out? Is there any other way around this silly law?

BronsonTB

What you are asking is illegal & should not really be discussed here(breaking a law).....That loophole is now closed & the traffic corp are well aware of it. You take a risk if stopped using it for private use....

But nothing to stop you paying private tax on a van & driving it for private use...Issue is only when you tax it commerically but then use it for private use....

If it's for private use then tax it accourdingly....The rest of us do so why shouldn't you??

Theanswers

BronsonTB wrote: »

What you are asking is illegal & should not really be discussed here(breaking a law).....That loophole is now closed & the traffic corp are well aware of it. You take a risk if stopped using it for private use....

But nothing to stop you paying private tax on a van & driving it for private use...Issue is only when you tax it commerically but then use it for private use....

If it's for private use then tax it accourdingly....The rest of us do so why shouldn't you??

Who Taxes it accordinly? I dont know anyone that does.
95% Dont, why should he?

Tax's on jeeps is rediculous.

Commercial all the way.

Welease

some_dose wrote: »

Given the new laws in relation the purchasing of commercial vehicles (i.e. requiring a VAT number), it has made it impossible for people to buy vans for personal use. However, I was wondering if it was possible to get around the system.

For example, if I were to buy a Land Rover Discovery 7 seater, could I take out the back 5 seats and block up the windows and then tax it as a commercial? Would they still catch you out? Is there any other way around this silly law?

You can buy and drive any commercial vehicle .. You just need to tax it as a private vehicle if you plan to use it for SD&P.

stevenmu

some_dose wrote: »

Given the new laws in relation the purchasing of commercial vehicles (i.e. requiring a VAT number), it has made it impossible for people to buy vans for personal use. However, I was wondering if it was possible to get around the system.

For example, if I were to buy a Land Rover Discovery 7 seater, could I take out the back 5 seats and block up the windows and then tax it as a commercial? Would they still catch you out? Is there any other way around this silly law?

I haven't heard about new laws on buying a van, do you mean the new laws on commercially taxing a vehicle? (which are actually the old laws which have been around for countless years and are just being enforced more stricly because so may people were taking the piss)

If you do mean the new commercial tax policies then buying a private vehicle and converting it to a commercial won't get you around it, in fact it's going right into it. The point is that to qualify for the cheaper commercial tax you have to prove that it is only for commercial use.

As far as I know you can still buy a van and tax it privately.

BronsonTB

Theanswers wrote: »

Who Taxes it accordinly? I dont know anyone that does.
95% Dont, why should he?

Tax's on jeeps is rediculous.

Commercial all the way.

Those days are coming to an end......Yes in the past but now you have to jump through hoops to tax it commerically & then if found driving it privately run the risk of it impounded until you do tax it parivte....Takes time as they can't stop everyone overnight but when they catch enough word will spread...Take time but people are changing...hence why more people are downsizing vans/jeeps....

And yes the traffic corp are checking how vans are taxed at some check points...(I can confirm this 100% fact in County Donegal as I have been stopped & quizzed)

You take a gamble Theanswers & takes your chances fair enough but I wouldn't be encouraging others to brake the law....OP Should not intentionally tax it commerical if he knows full well he'll be using it privately.

some_dose

I'd actually be using the vehicle for work. I'm a freelancer but the main company I work for doesn't possess a VAT number.

stevenmu

some_dose wrote: »

I'd actually be using the vehicle for work. I'm a freelancer but the main company I work for doesn't possess a VAT number.

If you're a freelancer/self employed then I think you're entitled to register for a VAT number.

BronsonTB

some_dose wrote: »

I'd actually be using the vehicle for work. I'm a freelancer but the main company I work for doesn't possess a VAT number.

Just double check with what your local tax office as to what docs they require to tax a vehicle commerically. You'll have no probs taxing then.

Pigster

Hi guys, not sure if this thread is still active or if I'll get a reply but...
I have a commercial kuga. Bought it 2 years ago new. Really like it but will be looking to sell in the new year for passenger.
Firstly, it's taxed as private and insured as a commercial for private use. No problems here with either process.
Is a commercial cheaper because of less VRT, less VAT or just cheaper because less seats??
If I was to sell it now are they are any advantages to me from any of these view points?
Would there ve any advantages to the buyer of buying my commercial from the viewpoint of VAT not having been reclaimed?

Bpmull

Pigster wrote: »

Hi guys, not sure if this thread is still active or if I'll get a reply but...
Would there ve any advantages to the buyer of buying my commercial from the viewpoint of VAT not having been reclaimed?

Their is a disadvantage as you did not claim vat back the new owner can't claim back the vat. As the vehicle has no vat receipt to claim back vat. So your vehicle won't be attractive to most people as they can't claim back the vat. The way It works is a company buys a commerical claims back the vat then when they sell it the pay the vat back on the sale price and give a vat receipt to the new owner and they can then claim back the vat this process continues until someone private buys it. If it is bought privately the owner can't claim back the vat and therefore a vat invoice can't be given to the new owner. It is a complicated system but to put it simply as your jeep was bought privately the vat will never be able to be claimed back. So your jeep won't be attrative to most people as they will just buy one with a vat receipt.