Because the published information about how cars imported between January and July are treated for VRT and tax is ambiguous, I e-mailed the minister (two or three weeks ago). Just received the following:
<QUOTE>
I have been asked by Mr. John Gormley, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to refer to your recent email in connection with motor tax.
In relation to motor tax I should like to explain that a second hand car imported and registered here between now and 30 June 2008 would have its motor tax based on the cars engine capacity (c.c.) now and in future years.
The new CO2 based motor tax system will apply to cars registered abroad from 2008 onwards and subsequently registered here on or after 1 July 2008. The new CO2 based motor tax system will not apply to the import of pre 2008 cars. These cars will continue to be taxed based on their engine capacity (c.c.).
In terms of VRT, any car imported prior to July 1st 2008 will be subject to the current rate of VRT, i.e., 22.5% (cars up to 1,400cc) 25% (cars 1,401 to 1,900cc) or 30% (cars over 1,900cc). A car imported after 1st 2008 July will be assessed for VRT based on its CO2 emissions.
<END QUOTE>
So:
import now and VRT and tax are as at present
import after July 1 and VRT is new rates, but tax rate will depend on car's age: those first registered before 2008 will be on old system, those 2008 or after will be on new system
This is the first time I've seen official confirmation of this, so I thought it worth posting.
<QUOTE>
I have been asked by Mr. John Gormley, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to refer to your recent email in connection with motor tax.
In relation to motor tax I should like to explain that a second hand car imported and registered here between now and 30 June 2008 would have its motor tax based on the cars engine capacity (c.c.) now and in future years.
The new CO2 based motor tax system will apply to cars registered abroad from 2008 onwards and subsequently registered here on or after 1 July 2008. The new CO2 based motor tax system will not apply to the import of pre 2008 cars. These cars will continue to be taxed based on their engine capacity (c.c.).
In terms of VRT, any car imported prior to July 1st 2008 will be subject to the current rate of VRT, i.e., 22.5% (cars up to 1,400cc) 25% (cars 1,401 to 1,900cc) or 30% (cars over 1,900cc). A car imported after 1st 2008 July will be assessed for VRT based on its CO2 emissions.
<END QUOTE>
So:
import now and VRT and tax are as at present
import after July 1 and VRT is new rates, but tax rate will depend on car's age: those first registered before 2008 will be on old system, those 2008 or after will be on new system
This is the first time I've seen official confirmation of this, so I thought it worth posting.