bought car in NI 3 years ago, want to pay VRT now. please help!

Please help with advise:
I have a following situation:
bought a car with NI plates 3 years ago(2008).
never used it, as it needed loads or work to be done.
So it was sitting on my back yard for years.
Now I am in situation, that I want to use this car.

I want to pay VRT etc.
As long as I know, there is a penalty, if I did not pay VRT in time ( in 2008).
the story is, that I didn't registered car on my name yet.

What would you recommend:
shell I send documents to registry office with date 01/01/2008 and pay all penalty? Will they even register date of purchase 2008?
what penalty could it be? if they'll charge me huge penalty and I won't want to pay it, will I be able just pull out or I'll be liable any way?

Or shell I send documents with purchase date 2011?

Don' t want to cheat anyone, especially revenue, just don't know how to make things correct....

"Don' t want to cheat anyone, especially revenue, just don't know how to make things correct...."

Off the road for 3 years? Was it up on blocks? If not, the tyres must be rottin!

Unless it was take for short drives to move the tyres

ok, tyres need to be changed and some minor things done as well.
it is not a new, fancy car, just need a car and I can not afford to by another one, when this one is sitting on my back yard....
my question is not about tyres actually...

I had a uk reg car in my garage for 5 years and cleared it then with no fines for late clearance - - is the fine a new thing?

when did you do that?
this new thing came up last year, I think

I don't have the answer to your query, but I think you would get a lot more replies and advice if you posted in the "Cars and Motoring" forum.

I did it 5 years ago Alica.

Quickest way to get a definitive answer .... ring Revenue and ask them.