VAT headache! help?

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SailingEd

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im looking to buy a boat from the Netherlands, it was built in 1977 and has spent all its life in the EU, i want to bring it back to the UK, what are my options?

it has VAT paid status in the EU with receipts etc, but what does this mean in reality?

if i import it back to the UK can i deduct EU VAT from the broker selling price before paying a 20% import fee when i return it to uk waters?
can i temporarily import it?

i've googled until my fingers and eyes bleed but im non the wiser and most advice is written in gobble de gook, can someone please clear the mud for me?

help?
 
At the moment, my understanding is you cannot claim the EU VAT back. Your boat from the Netherlands is going to cost you 20% more.

Another benefit of leaving the EU.

It works the other way around too. HMRC will NOT refund VAT paid if you export your boat. (But they are quite happy to take their 20% of a boat that has already had VAT paid in the EU on import to the UK).

It's a disgrace, but that's what happens when you trust politicians to tell the truth.
 
The broker won't be charging VAT so you can't deduct it from the selling price and, assuming you're resident in Greece UK you can't avail of temporary admission so you will be liable for UK VAT.
 
thanks that makes it clearer at least, im assuming i would pay it at the port authority which i land the boat in?

with eu VAT paid would this be a benefit for future? i do intend on leaving the uk in 5/6 years maybe sooner, but for now i need to pay VAT id assume.

im a uk citizen so perhaps i cant retain the EU VAT paid status anyway, or perhaps there is a time limit after it leaves eu waters for so long?
 
When I bought my boat in Holland (in 2005), I registered it on the UK SSR prior to sailing it to the UK. I'm not sure that, if you sail into a UK marina with a used, UK registered boat, anyone would know whether or not there is a VAT liability.
 
SailingEd said:
thanks that makes it clearer at least, im assuming i would pay it at the port authority which i land the boat in?

with eu VAT paid would this be a benefit for future? i do intend on leaving the uk in 5/6 years maybe sooner, but for now i need to pay VAT id assume.

im a uk citizen so perhaps i cant retain the EU VAT paid status anyway, or perhaps there is a time limit after it leaves eu waters for so long?
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In theory you can retain the EU VAT paid status if you take advantage of the returned goods relief rules and every 3 years return to the EU. This is of little value to most people unless you either want to keep the boat in the EU or sell it there. Equally once you pay UK VAT you (the boat) can visit the EU for up to 18 months, but if you leave the UK for more than 3 years you are potentially liable to pay VAT again. Read VAT Notice No8 for the rules.

Don't get too worked up about paying VAT if you buy the boat in Holland. What really matters is the cost of getting the boat to where you want to use it compared with the cost of any alternative. Boats are often cheaper and better in Holland, particularly older boats so overall you might get a better deal even after paying transport and VAT. Be aware though that if your 1977 boat was not built in the EU or the EEA it will require certification, which will be costly and may not even be possible depending on the boat.
 
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