Importing a Bike

boo-urns

I'm looking into importing a bike from a dealer in Northern Ireland and have a query regarding VRT/VAT. I've checked the revenue website FAQ on VRT and I can't quite figure out whether VRT and VAT is payable on a new bike or not.

Has anyone imported a new bike from another EU state and, if so, what sort of taxes and charges did they have to pay when registering it here?

Popeleo

boo-urns wrote: »

I'm looking into importing a bike from a dealer in Northern Ireland and have a query regarding VRT/VAT. I've checked the revenue website FAQ on VRT and I can't quite figure out whether VRT and VAT is payable on a new bike or not.

Has anyone imported a new bike from another EU state and, if so, what sort of taxes and charges did they have to pay when registering it here?

The revenue website is crap on this matter - I had to make a couple of phone calls to get the lowdown.

I bought my new bike in N.I. last month. Basically, you have to pay both VAT and VRT. The VRT is fixed - based on the engine cc. The VAT is based on what you pay the dealer. Your dealer should be able to sell the bike without the UK 17.5% VAT if it's for export. The revenue will add on the 21% Irish VAT. The VRT is charged at the end (so you're not charged VAT on the VRT). And if you're paying by cheque, you need 2 - one for each.

boo-urns

Popeleo wrote: »

The revenue website is crap on this matter - I had to make a couple of phone calls to get the lowdown.

I bought my new bike in N.I. last month. Basically, you have to pay both VAT and VRT. The VRT is fixed - based on the engine cc. The VAT is based on what you pay the dealer. Your dealer should be able to sell the bike without the UK 17.5% VAT if it's for export. The revenue will add on the 21% Irish VAT. The VRT is charged at the end (so you're not charged VAT on the VRT). And if you're paying by cheque, you need 2 - one for each.

Thanks for the info, I had a feeling I had to pay VAT but at least I know how much it's gonna cost me. Still works out way cheaper than the RRP of the bike here in the Republic so I'll probably buy in N.I.

Did it take long to register the vehicle i.e. will I have to take a day off work to get it all sorted?

Popeleo

I registered mine in Santry. They were pretty efficient when I was there - in and out in less than an hour (although you may need more time to cry into a pint after handing over a couple of grand in taxes).

And as the Irish VAT is based on the sales invoice and not the RRP, try and get a cash discount from the dealer instead of free gear etc.

Steffano2002

To calculate how much VRT you will have to pay, go here and enter all the details of the bike you are buying.

As for the VAT, you ONLY have to pay it IF the bike is less than one year old OR less than 6,000km.

So basically, find a bike that meets both requirements and Bob's your uncle!

colm_c

Steffano2002 wrote: »

As for the VAT, you ONLY have to pay it IF the bike is less than one year old OR less than 6,000km.

It's less than 6 months not a year.

http://www.revenue.ie/leaflets/vrt1.htm#section13

Steffano2002

colm_c wrote: »

It's less than 6 months not a year.

http://www.revenue.ie/leaflets/vrt1.htm#section13

FINE! Mr. Kow-It-All! :P

Steffano2002

Can somebody please tell me where exactly the VRT Office in Santry is located? I found this address: Unit H, Furry Pk. Ind. Est., Santry, Dublin 9 but even Google Maps doesn't know where that is...

Thank you in advance!

murphaph

It's the building in centre of this image.

colm_c

It's just off swords road, on the left if you're coming from town.

Steffano2002

But where? The Swords Rd goes through the whole of Santry! Before the Omni? Between the Omni and AIB? Between AIB and the bottom of Santry Avenue?

Steffano2002

It's ok, think I know where it is!

murphaph

Did my link not work?

Steffano2002

murphaph wrote: »

Did my link not work?

Yes, it did... But I only saw your post now for some reason...

Thanks Murphaph!