How accurate is the VRT calculator

Alerium

Hello

I’m considering importing a hybrid from the UK. I did the VRT calculator online and I’m happy with the cost to re-register in Ireland but I’m worried I will be told a completely different price when the time comes to register. Does anyone know if the online VRT calculator is accurate? Also, what is the actual process of importing a car from the UK?

Many thanks

User1998

For mainstream cars its 100% accurate as long as you choose all the correct details. But why are you considering importing from the UK? You have to pay VAT and customs. Its cheaper to buy here.

mcw92

From the UK or NI?

The latter is VRT only if in NI for the last 6+ months, former is VRT + Customs + Vat.

Sono

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122125395#Comment_122125395

a friend of mine has gotten a garage to source a car for him from the uk and it has just landed into Ireland, he reckons he’s saving approx 4k by doing this and that’s with the garage taking their cut too; I didn’t verify this myself but sounds like a very decent saving if true.

Midnight_EG

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122126630#Comment_122126630

6 months thing you mention is wrong, it has to have been in since before January 2021

Alerium

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122125395#Comment_122125395

I thought VAT is only if the car is registered after 1st January 2021?

mcw92

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122127203#Comment_122127203

Not as of 1st May, rules changed.

Edit - See here. The 'reasonable amount of time' is new, and some saying 180 days is fine, some saying less. https://www.revenue.ie/en/vrt/registration-of-imported-used-vehicles/registering-vehicles-from-ni.aspx

Vehicles purchased after 30 April 2024 can be registered in the State without being subject to these additional requirements. These vehicles will still require proof of Customs Declaration or proof that the vehicle has been in private ownership in NI for a reasonable period of time.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122127001#Comment_122127001

Thats because he’s buying through a VAT registered dealer who can reclaim the UK VAT. For most private individuals its cheaper to buy here.

Sono

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122129068#Comment_122129068

that would make sense alright. Thanks for that

poker--addict

I am sure there are plenty of dealers here who act as middle man on a paper trail for a cut - so why does it make sense for a private person to source in UK (then have local dealer run the paperwork?)

In Merc garage this week and saw that several of the wagons were in from the UK (not NI) too.

mickdw

YA it's fine for dealers. They claim the vat and then charge vat on the sale so the only real change is the 10 percent duty they need to pay and that's not in all cases either so lots of uk stuff coming in but mostly of the hybrid variety for max profits.