Boat Tax in Portugal

[david36]

The action last year by the Portuguese government to reintroduce a boat tax for any boat spending more than 180 days a year in the country caused a shambles for many non resident boat owners who base their boats in that delightful country. In effect they were in a "catch 22" situation where they received a tax demand but not being resident had no local tax account which would enable them to pay it. Failure to pay brought threats of confiscation of boats although it is not clear how many have yet been taken away.
Recent reports including Yachting World( April 2005) say that the Portugese government has set up a new "improved" system which they are about to introduce.
Does anyone know what the system is and how it will be applied?

 

[Swagman]

We had our boat in Portugal last year and certainly booked in for more than 180 days.

We also read some English Sailing Mag articles about these plans, but were advised in 2004 by Lagos Marina management that the chance of anything actually being implemented to our disadvantage was pretty slim.

The Director stated there was already some form of visitors boat tax in place - but that it had never ever been implemented, at least not to his knowledge.

Personally - I have reciepted no demands from anyone.

So I assume our marina management at Lagos provided sound advice.

 

[syfuga]

Firstly, do not take too much notice of the Lagos marina management who cannot fix a lock on a toilet door...

The story as I understand it is that the Portugese fiscal authorities tried to levy the tax on the people who happened to be around last August, regardless of for how long, and without advising the marina. Much horror and hoo-ha.

The tax is comparable with our road fund license, and is payable by all boats in Portugal for more than 6 months.

It is likely that the authorities will try to collect from people who have been in Portugal for more than 6 months on June 1st. The amount of the tax depends upon the age and length of the boat, and upon the horsepower of the engine/s. A 12m sailing yacht of recent vintage would probably be looking at something in excess of 100 euros, but power boats with big engines beware!

 

[Swagman]

I was there last June / July / August and factually no fiscal authority person ever approached me. Back in September and October and still no touch up - nor mention of it from pals parekd up through whole period.

Maybe Lagos management who you think are U/S on toilet locks - may be excellent on anti fiscal pontoon locks?

You say 'the story is' - so would really appreciate knowing if you were approached, or is this scuttlebutt?

Cheers
JOHN

 

[david36]

Sorry to say that I was in Portugal when it happened last year but at that time had not done 180 days so was left alone.There is no doubt of the actions last year. What is not clear is what they intend to do this year and in the future.

Yachting World seems to believe that the problem has not gone away despite the confidence of various marina operators - see Yachting Monthly April 2005.

Any definitive information would be welcome.

 

[syfuga]

I'll ask next time I go to the office to collect my post..and come back to you