VAT and second hand boats

[JamesS]

I'm sure that reams have been written about this but how do you go about ensuring your 20 year old boat has the appropriate paperwork if you don't have a copy of the original VAT receipt?

I'm sure that many vessels must fall into this category.

Cheers

 

[Swagman]

I think you might have some issues and I hope someone with more knowledge than me can explain how to sort this legitimately.

Assuming, that is, one does need to prove when one travels in the EU that VAT was paid on any vessel built after UK entry in 1973. It may be the need for proof started inside the last 20 years and if so you may not have a need. Does anyone else know the start date of such a requirement?

Good luck in sorting it legitimately

JOHN

 

[cookjwm]

You have to demonstrate that the boat was in UK waters at cartain date -cannot remember what date is but its available from HM customs /revenue. James Jermain is a bit of an expert. I had to contact each owner and get back to the date then get a letter -not strong but its all you will get because our Customs have declined to obey the rules and issue certificates -even though they should...yep our officials making our life harder because its a bit inconvenient. After all we just pay them....course I could be wrong?

 

[Sy-Revolution]

The date is 31/12/1992, you have to prove that the vessel was in EU waters on this date and the vessel has to have been built before 1985.

 

[davidpbo]

How about forgery? /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[bobgosling]

[ QUOTE ]
How about forgery? /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

You could get into a serious amount of trouble if caught, however, the likelyhood of being caught is miniscule. Besides which, if you can prove that this is just a replacement for a lost original and there is no intent to defraud anyone you would probably just get a slapped wrist. The only people who actually have the ability to check the autheticity of a VAT invoice are HM's C&E department.

P.S. Print on an old dot matrix printer with perforated side seams to make it look the part. Then dip in bilge water and tumble dry for added authenticity before laminating it. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[raro3]

I have exactly the same problem on my old Roberts. The dates previously quoted are correct. I've been in touch with HMC&E several times, but they are totally and utterly useless on this issue - they seem to be vaguely aware there's a problem, but either don't know how or can't be bothered to fix it. The only solution they gave me (which they said "may" work) is to take my boat out of the country and declare it when I get back to UK and pay the VAT. Big help eh? I contacted the RYA legal dept who are really trying hard to get this problem resolved. The more people who write and complain to them, the more likely they will be to succeed.