Mort,
Steve is right, the VAT WILL be assessed! Any leisure boat kept in the EU must be VAT-paid. However, proof of VAT payment on a second-hand boat can sometimes be a problem. Take it from someone who knows - the VAT was paid on my boat, but I could not prove it, and the Dutch hit me with a bill for 19% of Cin-Cin's locally assessed value when I shipped her to Europe!!. Before any used boat can be imported into the EU, or sold within its borders, the vendor has to prove that VAT has been paid, otherwise the new owner will be liable for it. VAT on top of a "reasonable offer" may make that same offer unreasonable, especially as the value of the boat will be decided by customs officials, who won't be out to do you any favors. There are exemptions, any boat built before 31 December 1984, and in the EU at midnight on 31 December 1992, is deemed to be VAT-paid, providing both facts can be proved. The VAT can be paid in any member state, and can be arranged by contacting a local lawyer who specialises in tax matters. For a fee, he will be able to arrange valuation and payment, which will result in a "VAT-paid certificate" which should be carried aboard the boat whenever you are cruising. Savings can often be made by having the boat valued, and the VAT paid, in another EU country other than the UK. Spain and Germany, for example have a VAT rate of 16%, whereas Sweden and Denmark charge a whopping 25%. Portugal is the next lowest with 17%. Canada being in the Commonwealth, does not qualify as an EU member state. Sorry
Hope this clears up a few questions. Incidentally I hired a tax lawyer in Amsterdam in an attempt to recoup the tax, but the bureaucrats ruled against me!!!
--
"Fair Winds and Following Seas"
Frank Gallardo Jr, V-2184, "Cin Cin"__________________________________________________________________
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Steve is right, the VAT WILL be assessed! Any leisure boat kept in the EU must be VAT-paid. However, proof of VAT payment on a second-hand boat can sometimes be a problem. Take it from someone who knows - the VAT was paid on my boat, but I could not prove it, and the Dutch hit me with a bill for 19% of Cin-Cin's locally assessed value when I shipped her to Europe!!. Before any used boat can be imported into the EU, or sold within its borders, the vendor has to prove that VAT has been paid, otherwise the new owner will be liable for it. VAT on top of a "reasonable offer" may make that same offer unreasonable, especially as the value of the boat will be decided by customs officials, who won't be out to do you any favors. There are exemptions, any boat built before 31 December 1984, and in the EU at midnight on 31 December 1992, is deemed to be VAT-paid, providing both facts can be proved. The VAT can be paid in any member state, and can be arranged by contacting a local lawyer who specialises in tax matters. For a fee, he will be able to arrange valuation and payment, which will result in a "VAT-paid certificate" which should be carried aboard the boat whenever you are cruising. Savings can often be made by having the boat valued, and the VAT paid, in another EU country other than the UK. Spain and Germany, for example have a VAT rate of 16%, whereas Sweden and Denmark charge a whopping 25%. Portugal is the next lowest with 17%. Canada being in the Commonwealth, does not qualify as an EU member state. Sorry
Hope this clears up a few questions. Incidentally I hired a tax lawyer in Amsterdam in an attempt to recoup the tax, but the bureaucrats ruled against me!!!--
"Fair Winds and Following Seas"
Frank Gallardo Jr, V-2184, "Cin Cin"__________________________________________________________________
Introducing the New Netscape Internet Service.
Only $9.95 a month -- Sign up today at http://isp.netscape.com/register
Netscape. Just the Net You Need.
New! Netscape Toolbar for Internet Explorer
Search from anywhere on the Web and block those annoying pop-ups.
Download now at Netscape ISP Homepage