VAT

[nicho]

I have a friend, UK citizen who now lives in france. He keeps a motorboat on one of the major rivers out there and also uses the canals. He has just sold his old boat and wishes to buy another from the UK.

His max budget is £45K, so obviously the boats he is looking at are pretty old, around the 1987 to 1989 mark.

He has now found three or four that will do the job (which would include the odd foray up the estuary for a coastal trip), but none can find the necessary proof of VAT payment. He has tried through the manufacturers, but it appears they do not have records that far back. The company that distributed the boats at that time have long gone, so cannot be contacted.

So, what does he do, buy one and risk it? Would the French customs and Excise people really worry about a boat that old, mainly used well inland?

Any thoughts/comments would be very helpful, thanks

 

[goboatingnow]

firstly , outside of a sales invoice, which actually isnt proof of VAT paid, there isnt anysuch thing as "a proof of VAT paid " document. Other then thoses issued by customs for a brief period to grandfather in boats outside the VAT areas but in the EU. ( and the documentation is specific to the UK),

I wouldnt worry about it. Its a private sale between two individuals using obviously a goods in free circulation in the eu. Get a bill of sale aand a written indemnity from the seller that the boat is free from all encumbrances and he /she is teh owner and entitled to sell it,

The whole " proof of VAT" things is overblown and hysterical.

 

[miket]

Over blown?

Not sure I agree that this is over stated, especially if boat is to be British flagged but French based.

I would suggest that you first check the facts with RYA Legal department/ website. I had a feeling there was a cut off point around early 1990's? May be quite wrong.

Many who regularly cruise abroad say they have never been asked for "proof of VAT paid". Often other papers but not that, so to that extent perhaps one should worry less.

 

[nicho]

He's now decided to buy a 1972 Broom Ocean 37, delivered pre VAT days, no no paperwork needed. He's flying in on Friday, and we are going for an inspection. He's agreed a price over the phone, subject to survey. The engines have done some 3900 hours, which is a lot I suppose, though Perkins seem to have good longevity - this one has averaged around 100 hours per year over it's 36 years.