Rosebank Marine, Ireland - VAT question - Can anyone help?

[AAF]

I am negotiating for an Atlantic 42 that was fitted out by Rosebank Marine, Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim, Ireland. From the broker I have a pdf copy of the original invoice from Rosebank Marine to the first owner, which has a VAT number on it that registers as "invalid" when tested on the http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/vieshome.do?selectedLanguage=EN website.

But since the company no longer trades is this a time issue (company ceased trading early noughties I understand)? As far as I know a VAT number is never reused....

The number given on the invoice is E 6567568A. The format 1234567X is a valid Irish format. The pdf copy of the original invoice also has no company number on it, nor VAT rate, nor is the VAT amount shown separately as would all be required in today's world.

Has anyone a Rosebank marine invoice against which this specimen can be compared?

All help/guidance appreciated

 

[oceanfroggie]

PM sent. As far as I recollect the boat builder Rosebank collapsed over ten years ago.

 

[jfm]

Nice boat.

Tricky. Both 10 years ago and today, an invoice showing just the total price, but not showing the VAT element separately, isn't really a VAT invoice

I'm not saying you'll have a problem with the tax office if you buy the boat, but when you come to sell it the buyer might price chip you on the footing that the documents don't prove VAT was paid on the original purchase. So, as ever, take that into account when you agree the price now.