Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) is a tax levied on all vehicles registered in Ireland. The amount of VRT payable is based on the vehicle’s Open Market Selling Price (OMSP), its CO2 emissions, and its age. There are a number of ways to avoid paying VRT in Ireland, including:
Importing a vehicle from Northern IrelandPurchasing a used vehicle that is more than 30 years oldConverting a vehicle to run on an alternative fuel, such as LPG or electric
Avoiding VRT can save you a significant amount of money, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved. For example, if you import a vehicle from Northern Ireland, you will need to pay import duty and VAT. Additionally, you may need to make modifications to the vehicle in order to meet Irish safety standards.
Overall, there are a number of ways to avoid paying VRT in Ireland. However, it is important to weigh the potential risks and benefits before making a decision.
1. Import a vehicle from Northern Ireland
Importing a vehicle from Northern Ireland is one of the most popular ways to avoid paying VRT in Ireland. This is because vehicles in Northern Ireland are generally cheaper than in the Republic of Ireland, and there is no VRT payable on vehicles imported from within the EU.
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Facet 1: Eligibility
In order to import a vehicle from Northern Ireland, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a resident of the Republic of Ireland.
- The vehicle must be registered in Northern Ireland.
- The vehicle must have a valid MOT test certificate.
- You must have proof of insurance for the vehicle.
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Facet 2: Process
The process of importing a vehicle from Northern Ireland is relatively straightforward. You will need to:
- Complete a VRT declaration form.
- Pay any import duty and VAT that is due.
- Have the vehicle inspected by the Revenue Commissioners.
- Register the vehicle with the Department of Transport.
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Facet 3: Costs
The cost of importing a vehicle from Northern Ireland will vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as its age and condition. However, you can expect to pay around 1,000 in import duty and VAT.
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Facet 4: Benefits
There are a number of benefits to importing a vehicle from Northern Ireland, including:
- Vehicles are generally cheaper in Northern Ireland than in the Republic of Ireland.
- There is no VRT payable on vehicles imported from within the EU.
- The process of importing a vehicle from Northern Ireland is relatively straightforward.
Overall, importing a vehicle from Northern Ireland is a good way to avoid paying VRT in Ireland. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved, such as the cost of import duty and VAT, as well as the need to have the vehicle inspected by the Revenue Commissioners.
2. Purchase a used vehicle that is more than 30 years old
Purchasing a used vehicle that is more than 30 years old is another way to avoid paying VRT in Ireland. This is because vehicles that are over 30 years old are exempt from VRT.
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Facet 1: Eligibility
In order to qualify for the VRT exemption, the vehicle must be at least 30 years old and must be in original condition. This means that the vehicle cannot have been substantially modified or altered.
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Facet 2: Process
To claim the VRT exemption, you will need to complete a VRT declaration form and submit it to the Revenue Commissioners. You will also need to provide proof that the vehicle is at least 30 years old and is in original condition.
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Facet 3: Benefits
There are a number of benefits to purchasing a used vehicle that is more than 30 years old, including:
- Vehicles that are over 30 years old are exempt from VRT.
- Classic cars can be a good investment.
- Classic cars can be fun to own and drive.
Overall, purchasing a used vehicle that is more than 30 years old is a good way to avoid paying VRT in Ireland. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved, such as the cost of repairs and maintenance.
3. Convert a vehicle to run on an alternative fuel
Converting a vehicle to run on an alternative fuel, such as LPG or electric, is a great way to avoid paying VRT in Ireland. This is because vehicles that are converted to run on an alternative fuel are exempt from VRT.
There are a number of benefits to converting a vehicle to run on an alternative fuel, including:
- Vehicles that are converted to run on an alternative fuel are exempt from VRT.
- Alternative fuels can be cheaper than petrol or diesel.
- Alternative fuels can reduce your carbon footprint.
However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved in converting a vehicle to run on an alternative fuel. These risks include:
- The cost of converting a vehicle to run on an alternative fuel can be high.
- The availability of alternative fuels can be limited.
- The performance of a vehicle that has been converted to run on an alternative fuel may be reduced.
Overall, converting a vehicle to run on an alternative fuel is a good way to avoid paying VRT in Ireland. However, it is important to weigh the potential risks and benefits before making a decision.
4. Declare the vehicle as a commercial vehicle
Declaring a vehicle as a commercial vehicle is one of the ways to avoid paying VRT in Ireland. This is because commercial vehicles are exempt from VRT. In order to qualify as a commercial vehicle, the vehicle must be used for business purposes. This can include transporting goods or people, or being used for agricultural purposes.
There are a number of benefits to declaring a vehicle as a commercial vehicle, including avoiding VRT, as well as being able to claim back VAT on fuel and other expenses. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved, such as the need to keep accurate records of business use, and the potential for higher insurance costs.
Overall, declaring a vehicle as a commercial vehicle is a good way to avoid paying VRT in Ireland. However, it is important to weigh the potential risks and benefits before making a decision.
5. Temporarily register the vehicle
Temporarily registering a vehicle is a way to avoid paying VRT in Ireland if you are only going to be using the vehicle for a short period of time. A temporary registration is valid for 90 days, and can be renewed once for an additional 90 days.
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Facet 1: Eligibility
To be eligible for temporary registration, the vehicle must be:
- Registered in another EU country
- Covered by valid insurance
- Have a valid MOT test certificate (if applicable)
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Facet 2: Process
To temporarily register a vehicle, you will need to:
- Complete a VRT declaration form
- Pay a temporary registration fee
- Display the temporary registration plates on the vehicle
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Facet 3: Benefits
There are a number of benefits to temporarily registering a vehicle, including:
- You can avoid paying VRT if you are only going to be using the vehicle for a short period of time.
- The process is relatively straightforward.
- Temporary registration plates are valid for 90 days, and can be renewed once for an additional 90 days.
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Facet 4: Considerations
There are a few things to consider before temporarily registering a vehicle, including:
- The temporary registration fee is 100.
- You will need to have the vehicle inspected by the Revenue Commissioners before you can register it.
- You will need to display the temporary registration plates on the vehicle at all times.
Overall, temporarily registering a vehicle is a good way to avoid paying VRT if you are only going to be using the vehicle for a short period of time. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and costs involved.
FAQs on How to Avoid Paying VRT in Ireland
Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) is a significant expense for motorists in Ireland. However, there are a number of ways to avoid paying VRT, including importing a vehicle from Northern Ireland, purchasing a used vehicle that is more than 30 years old, converting a vehicle to run on an alternative fuel, declaring the vehicle as a commercial vehicle, or temporarily registering the vehicle.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about avoiding VRT in Ireland:
Question 1: Can I avoid paying VRT if I import a vehicle from the UK?
Answer: No. VRT is payable on all vehicles imported into Ireland, regardless of whether they are imported from the UK or another country.
Question 2: Can I avoid paying VRT if I purchase a used vehicle that is less than 30 years old?
Answer: No. VRT is payable on all used vehicles that are less than 30 years old, regardless of their value or condition.
Question 3: Can I avoid paying VRT if I convert my vehicle to run on an alternative fuel?
Answer: Yes. Vehicles that are converted to run on an alternative fuel, such as LPG or electric, are exempt from VRT.
Question 4: Can I avoid paying VRT if I declare my vehicle as a commercial vehicle?
Answer: Yes. Commercial vehicles are exempt from VRT. However, to qualify as a commercial vehicle, the vehicle must be used for business purposes.
Question 5: Can I avoid paying VRT if I temporarily register my vehicle?
Answer: Yes. You can avoid paying VRT if you temporarily register your vehicle. However, temporary registration is only valid for 90 days, and can only be renewed once.
Question 6: What are the risks involved in avoiding VRT?
Answer: There are a number of risks involved in avoiding VRT, including the risk of being fined or having your vehicle seized. It is important to weigh the risks and benefits before deciding whether or not to avoid VRT.
Overall, there are a number of ways to avoid paying VRT in Ireland. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved before making a decision.
If you are considering avoiding VRT, it is important to speak to a qualified professional for advice.
Transition to the next article section:
For more information on VRT, please visit the Revenue Commissioners website.
Tips to Avoid Paying VRT in Ireland
Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) is a significant expense for motorists in Ireland. However, there are a number of ways to avoid paying VRT, including the following:
Tip 1: Import a vehicle from Northern Ireland
Vehicles imported from Northern Ireland are exempt from VRT. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved, such as the cost of import duty and VAT.
Tip 2: Purchase a used vehicle that is more than 30 years old
Vehicles that are over 30 years old are exempt from VRT. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved, such as the cost of repairs and maintenance.
Tip 3: Convert a vehicle to run on an alternative fuel
Vehicles that are converted to run on an alternative fuel, such as LPG or electric, are exempt from VRT. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved, such as the cost of conversion and the availability of alternative fuels.
Tip 4: Declare the vehicle as a commercial vehicle
Commercial vehicles are exempt from VRT. However, to qualify as a commercial vehicle, the vehicle must be used for business purposes.
Tip 5: Temporarily register the vehicle
You can avoid paying VRT if you temporarily register your vehicle. However, temporary registration is only valid for 90 days, and can only be renewed once.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits:
- There are a number of ways to avoid paying VRT in Ireland.
- It is important to weigh the potential risks and benefits before deciding whether or not to avoid VRT.
- If you are considering avoiding VRT, it is important to speak to a qualified professional for advice.
Transition to the article’s conclusion:
For more information on VRT, please visit the Revenue Commissioners website.
Closing Remarks on Avoiding VRT in Ireland
In conclusion, there are a number of ways to avoid paying Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) in Ireland. These methods include importing a vehicle from Northern Ireland, purchasing a used vehicle that is more than 30 years old, converting a vehicle to run on an alternative fuel, declaring the vehicle as a commercial vehicle, or temporarily registering the vehicle. However, it is important to weigh the potential risks and benefits of each method before making a decision.
It is also important to be aware of the potential consequences of avoiding VRT. These consequences can include fines, vehicle seizure, and backdated VRT payments. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider all of the options before deciding whether or not to avoid VRT.
For more information on VRT, please visit the Revenue Commissioners website.
