VAT on Motorhomes bought in Germany or France (1 Viewer)

[markov]

We are thinking of buying a motorhome in Germany or France, due to the difference in price compared to the cost of German motorhomes in the UK, and our wish to have a LHD vehicle. Does anyone know of what VAT is due in Germany, and what is due in the UK? And does this differ from buying new & buying used (whether from a dealer or privately?)

We intend to register it in the UK.

Thanks for any help on this - I've trawled the internet without much luck!

 

[Emmit]

Dragged out of back left hand corner of the Brain (whats left of it.)

As you are only temporarily registering it in Germany and permanently exporting it out of the country, I don't think you will pay any VAT or it's equivilent.
However, when you import it into this country, you will have the VAT (plus anything else they can think of) before they will allow registration.

At least I think that's how it goes.

Wait on here another five minutes and someone who REALLY knows will tell all.

 

[Mel]

Newr or used is very important

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[markov]

Thanks for the prompt replies!

In what way is new or used very important, Meor?

 

[DABurleigh]

https://www.gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk/vat-and-tax-vehicles-from-within-the-eu
"You don’t usually have to pay VAT if you’re importing a second-hand vehicle and the VAT was paid in another EU country - but you’ll still need to use NOVA. You’ll have to pay VAT if your vehicle is classed as a ‘new means of transport’ (NMT). HMRC will tell you if this is the case."

Furthermore, if new, then you may well have to pay VAT twice before claiming one lot back from Germany or France.

Dave

 

[cruiser]

that's good to know

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[markov]

Great advice Dave, thanks a lot!

 

[Mel]

The best man to talk to is Dave(Snowbird)
he is very knowledgeable on imports into the UK.

 

[nomadic]

At one time, not sure if it still applies, 2nd hand is/was deemed to be 6 months old and +6000km's on the clock.

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[twerly]

Hi,

I imported a 2nd hand Hymer (12 months and over 6000km) from Germany, and I can confirm 100% you will have to pay VAT, either in Germany (19%) or back in UK 20%. Here is an excellent link that goes through everything

http://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/importing-a-frankia-motorhome.81297/

It is quite complex, but well worth it, even more so this year with the pound so high against the Euro

Steve

 

[markov]

Thanks, Steve...

 

[Silver-Fox]

Do they class a MH as a commercial vehicle then?

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[Abacist]

IMHO you will have to pay VAT on a new vehicle bought from anywhere within the EU.

On a second hand vehicle the VAT was paid when it was first purchased so there is no VAT to be paid by the private buyer of a second hand van from within the EU. You may need to prove this by providing a copy of the original purchase invoice showing the VAT paid at the time so get a copy from the vendor.

If you import from outside the EU e.g. USA then VAT will be payable whether new or second hand.

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channels...ertyType=document&columns=1&id=HMCE_CL_000199