Thanks Danny yep it's so easy to get it wrong, but I guess that's what they want so they can sting people easily! I reckon if you can justify the milage then you'd be ok especially if you have a private car at your disposal too.
It stinks, we have 6 vans, we pay all our taxes, not a problem , but they do take the proverbial
Yes it does, !!!It depends on your accountant
It depends on your accountant
Ultimately it depends on HMRC!
A mates accountant lets him claim stuff that mine doesn't. Another friends accountant agreed for him to claim something that might be questioned with the proviso that if HMRC came a-looking, then he might have to pay it back!
If HMRC never look at you, then all the above is irrelevant. Thats why some people have claimed things back successfully while others have been advised not to.
Plus there are differances between the truly self emplyed, and those working through their own limited company (me).
I am still waiting for a statement from HMRC as to how far I can modify (convert) my panel van before incurring extra tax due to it being considered "dual purpose". I'm not holding my breath. As yet I have no wondows and no rear seats, but I am coming to like the "stealth camper" approach. I have no private use (though that may change in the future) only using it for commuting to work, and stopping overnight on occasion. I have been upfront to HMRC about this, and the intention to also use it as a mobile office (if I got seats and a table), because I don't want to suck-it-and-see.
But for others, if HMRC don't investigate your "affairs" within six(?) years, it doesn't matter does it?
"Accountancy is the best place to express one's creativity" - Bernard Madoff
6 plus the current, so 7 really. I've said this before, the right accountant makes all the difference. We switched from an accountant costing us a few hundred a year to one that costs us thousands 3 years ago, since then she's saved us at least £80k!
Correct Andy, we did the same, get the right accountant, you get what you pay for !!
I’m in the same position, I spoke to VAT consultant and was told the payload isn’t the issue (that’s for pick ups) it’s the windows behind the driver, and the seats. But because it’s a grey area you need to be prepared should the VAT man decide to question you for claiming the VAT back. The best way to do this is to get a company memo written up stating that the vehicle is only for work purposes. Bearing in mind he will also ask why you need a vehicle with 5 or more seats. If you’re a tradesman for example who works alone this is going to be hard to answer.
Here's a question. I have a kombi which does all biz milage. The van is parked on my drive as that's where my business address is based, at my home.
My account is saying, if checked hmrc could apply BIK to it as it could be see to be 'available' for private use, and therefore has a tax bill from hell of backdated company car car tax.
I may phone HMRC about this and ask. I mean, if your business is based at home (like a lot of folks are i'd imagine) where else is the van supposed to be kept?
My account is saying, if checked hmrc could apply BIK to it as it could be see to be 'available' for private use, and therefore has a tax bill from hell of backdated company car car tax.
I may phone HMRC about this and ask. I mean, if your business is based at home (like a lot of folks are i'd imagine) where else is the van supposed to be kept?
AFAIK: If it is a van, then it can be parked at home. If it becomes classed as a car (by HMRC for their purposes), then it can’t be parked at home without incurring car tax.
The advice from the VAT consultant was basically that it all depends on the investigator, if you have a business only insurance policy, the company memo stating it’s only for business and you have another car available to drive then you’ve pretty much done everything you can (aside from keeping a mileage log). After that it’s down to luck!
This isn't the case. It's best not to assume or listen to web opinions, see an accountant
Hence the preceding AFAIK.
Agreed - but most still like to see an answer if they ask the question.
My accountant has no concerns about me parking my van at home.
However, I am also keeping a mileage record, and trialling various mileage tracking Apps for the cheapest worthwhile one I can find.
I have the 204 Koombi T32 4motion, i use it for work daily as well as my leisure, it states on the V5 it's light goods (although does state 6 seats & i've 5!) I'd be binning your accountant, especially reference the VAT. I've never had an issue with my accountant or things i put through the company. Providing i can justify to myself then i'm good with it. Old saying i was told when i was given my first company credit card, the boss said, use it sensibly, but remember "if you think it's excessive, then it probably is" it still rings with me today.
The issue won’t be with your accountant it’ll be with the revenue. I’ve got the same vehicle as you and according my VAT consultant it’s not black and white. If you’re using it for leisure I wouldn’t tell the VAT man, in fact I wouldn’t tell anyone, least of all an open forum.
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