Moving a boat to Guernsey?

[nmeyrick]

I have a 1977 boat which is SSR registered. I also have a full trail of bills of sale, and even a mythical letter from (as was) HMRC confirming the boat's status as VAT paid. I am currently working in London but am considering moving to the CIs, probably Guernsey for a couple of years, before returning to the UK prior to a year out sailing the med and transat.

However all the recent talk about VAT status has now got me concerned as to whether this could have adverse implications for me. To be clear, I don't want to do anything funny tax wise, my motivation if I move would simply to work somewhere warmer where you can sail after work - I simply want to ensure I don't get caught out. Does anyone know whether this move could have any negative impact on me for example:

- Would the boat have to be Guernsey registered if I were to live and keep her there?

- If this is the case would subsequently reverting to SSR be a problem?

- Would bringin the boat back into the EU be considered an importation, even though it would have been in my ownership the whole time?

- Any other pitdalls I haven't even thought of?

Appreciate any comments, particularly from those with knowledge of the area

Thanks

 

[georgeo]

Hi, I don't profess to be a tax expert, but do not expect you to encounter any such problems in keeping your boat down here for a couple of years. There are lots of boats in the marina with UK ports of registry on their sterns. if in doubt, speak to the local registry/harbour office who are usually pretty helpful. And SSR is commonplace down here.
Your biggest problem, as ever, will be securing a berth. You may have a better chance with Beaucette rather than the states marinas, but it is more expensive. best of luck

 

[Tranona]

No need to worry. As far as I know there is no restriction on keeping an SSR registered boat in the Channel Islands. The issue on VAT is very clear. Provided it is you that brings it back into the EU no VAT is due. It is different if you sell it while it is in the Channel Islands as VAT will be due when the new owner imports it. Obviously if you were going to sell it to an EU resident to keep in EU then you take the boat to the UK and do the deal there. You need to be sure at that point that you are UK/EU resident or intend taking residency as it is only sales between private EU residents which are free of VAT.

There is nothing secret about all this. It is explained in plain language on the RYA website, although of course if you want all the fine print you can go to the HMRC site.

 

[nmeyrick]

Thanks for the advice guys, much appreciated

 

[David_Jersey]

NOT to be confused with Part 1 or SSR registration, but I beleive (aka not 100% sure ) that Guernsey is the same as Jersey in requiring all local boats to be registered with the local harbour authorities. But strictly a formality, more about ease of identification if bits of boat later washed up ashore than a "Govt thing"............I only mention it to save any future confusion.

But I would definately look into the moorings position as soon as you can.


Sailing after work? I give you a month before you start thinking stuff is "too far"

But on your questions, not a problem - as said, VAT only becomes an issue if you sell in Guernsey.