Thinking of importing a pick-up...

Hi,

I'm looking to buy a 2016 Mitsubishi L200 2.4 Barbarian in the North. I'm an electrician working for one person so it's just both of us. I haven't asked him yet but is it possible that if I buy it could I use his VAT number to reclaim the VAT paid? Also when I do bring it through, will I be able to put it down for commercial tax without being registered for VAT myself? I have only had standard car insurance previously, no van.

Alan Hodgers (Castlebellingham)

Aug 2020 Filed under: commercial vehicle

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Expert answer

Hi Alan,

The problem here is that you’re trying to do some of it through the company and some of it yourself, which to be honest doesn’t really work. First off, if you want to use the company (or individual’s) VAT number then the car is going to have to be registered to them, not to you. In theory you can tax a vehicle commercially without a VAT number, but in practice it’s tricky, and if you get caught using it for any social, domestic, or pleasure use then there are big fines ahoy. 

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe