Is a crew-cab van taxed like an SUV now?

Are the crew cab vans now in the same bracket as the business edition SUVs? For example I’m looking at buying a crew cab Mercedes Vito Mixto. It has the seats in the back but it does has a separate compartment for the back of the van for carrying tools and goods etc. Do you know if this is true? Would the VRT rate not be in the commercial bracket and would it have to be classed as a private vehicle then with the higher rate of motor tax?

Paul Tynan (Kilcormac Offaly. )

Jan 2021 Filed under: taxation

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Expert answer

Hi Paul,

In theory, all crew-cab vans fall into Category B for VRT purposes, which Revenue defines as: "commercial vehicles, designed and constructed for the carriage of goods and not exceeding 3.5 tonnes. These vehicles are European category N1 and generally have three seats or less. VRT Category B also includes motor caravans.”

In Category B, you’ll be charged 13.3 per cent of the OMSP, the Irish market selling price as defined by Revenue. There are some vans that fall into a slightly different category, and are charged a flat rate of €200, but these are vans that (a) always had less than four seats and (b) have at any time a laden mass greater than 130% of the mass in service. You should be able to find out which category your Vito fits into by quoting the VIN number when booking your VRT inspection.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe