VRT reduction

[Orga]

Anyone got any ideas about how to reduce the VRT payable on an imported car that is secondhand? Thanks

 

[Eurofan]

Can you elaborate on your question? i.e are you asking what type/make/spec of car could you potentially import in order to minimise the vrt payable (legal) or are you asking for ways around reducing vrt on a car you already have imported (hopeless never mind illegal).

 

[Satanta]

...how to reduce the VRT payable on an imported car that is secondhand?

Simple answer.... you can't.
The VRT is calculated on the Revenue valuation of the car. You have no way of changing this so can't change the VRT due (unless, as suggested above, your asking what sort of car to minimise the VRT? Basically, the cheaper/older the less the VRT).

If you find the right car at the right price you really can make a huge saving by importing, including the extra cost of VRT which should be considered along with the purchase price to see if it really is a good deal.

What you may be thinking of is people talking about avoiding VRT?
This is only available to people resident in the UK, who own the car in the UK for six months after purchase and who then do not sell the car in Ireland for twelve months after returning to Ireland. This is commonly discussed (such as here) as a way of "avoiding" VRT but is very difficult to manage in anything other than a legitimate case, (in more cases than not) it will be caught as a scam if the system is abused.

 

[smcgiff]

I imagine if its a hybrid car then the 50% rule would apply.

 

[Satanta]

I imagine if its a hybrid car then the 50% rule would apply.

Yes. If the OP is requesting what steps can be taken to reduce the VRT when choosing a car, [broken link removed] could be of benefit. It lists the thresholds for the different VRT rates and what vehicles are eligible for special treatment (such as hybrids or flexible fuel cars).

 

[horgak]

Hey,
I think the question is how to make a car "APEAR" of lesser value to reduce the VRT payment.It's simple-you cant.Extra spec (leather seats, alloy wheels etc) on the car adds to a higher market value so increases the VRT payment(not by much though),so bar taking off the wheels it's imposible.
Tampering with the car (speedo etc) is fraudulant, you WILL get caught, and I dont think a judge will laugh it off.
I bought an A4 TDI in the UK, paid the VRT, and am happy that I got a car of higher spec for slightly less than a bog standard one over here cost's.
Still though VRT=rip off.Free movement of goods and services???????????