Paying tax in arrears on an unused car

Sappy404

Hi folks. I was given a car by a parent a couple of years ago that I haven't used and never declared off-road. Am I able to sell it/scrap without paying tax arrears here? I have no real use for it at this point.

cml387

Your parents could just sell the car, or transfer the car to your name and you could try to sell it, or you can just get it scrapped (at your cost) .
Only if the original owners wants to get the car back on the road will the arrears apply.

Sappy404

The car is in my name since I was given it. The car was legally never declared off the road.

If I were to scrap it, would I have to inform the tax/vehicle reg office? And if so would they then seek arrears?

colm_mcm

If the current registered owner were to tax it, they’d have to pay arrears. Anyone that buys the car and changes ownership and taxes it only owes from the start of the month they took ownership.

TheBoyConor

Basically OP you are liable for the tax on the car if you go to use it because it was never delcared off the road.

However, if you transfer the ownership to another family member that arrears is written off and they would tax it starting on a clean slate again. You pay them the money for the tax, then transfer the ownership back into your name.

However, that is only if you want to use the car.

If you want to scrap it, just go ahead and scrap it as it makes no difference. A car only has to be taxed to be legal to use on the public road. If you are scrapping it it doesn't make any difference.

elperello

If it is a one family owned car in good condition it may be worth more than you think depending on make, model etc.
Get some advice before you go down the scrapping route.
You could post details here if you like.