I am in the process of selling my Mac and the buyer wants proof that VAT has been paid - which I do not have. The buyer says that they may take the boat to the Med and thus it is a cause for concern. A brief on-line search confirms that there may be a liability. Does anyone know how to prove that the VAT has been paid or how to gain some kind of exemption certificate from HMRC?
Regards
Jim Rotheram Pen Gwyn
Hi Jim
This is always a tricky one. I suspect that, in practice, the French (and other) authorities are probably not very interested in older, relatively low value boats such as a 26X. I'm sure their focus is on new, expensive boats where owners could try to evade large amounts of VAT by buying a boat for export (VAT-exempt) in one country, then sailing it to another EU country.
Has anyone here ever been asked for VAT evidence on a boat 15-20 years old?
Of course the issue is one for your prospective purchaser rather than you!
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
Before I found the bit of paper which showed that VAT had been paid, I sent an email to Laura MacGregor Sharp at Tattoo Yachts with the hull number and the approximate date the first owner bought the Mac.
She replied within 48 hours to confirm that VAT had been paid and supplied the VAT number for the former UK dealership.
Hope this helps.
Pat Saddler
GladNick 26M
Thanks Rick and Pat. That's really helpful.
Jim
Hi Jim
I recently spent many hours investigating the same problem and eventually found the ‘lady that can’. She works as ‘the’ specialist in, if my memory serves me well, the pleasure boat department in HM customs and excise. She was extremely helpful.
I did ask if I could pass her name on and she said rather reluctantly I could but I don’t want to publish it so have forwarded it directly to you.
hope your sale goes well
Keith
Hi Everyone,
Thanks for all the input re VAT. I eventually managed to get a response from Laura Macgregor Sharp but by then the sale had fallen through and the buyers had decided to buy a newer boat.
Thanks again for the help.
Regards
Jim and Susan Pen Gwyn
PS Just got back from taking Saracen from Fleetwood to Tarbert (Loch Fyne) via Douglas (IOM), Donaghadee (N.I.) and Campbeltown. The Irish Sea gave us a good battering as a farewell with winds gusting to 35 knots but we sailed most of the way to Douglas (1 reef) arriving cold wet and (me) seasick but at least arriving!
Good luck to everyone on the Rally this summer.
Jim
Well done Jim. Full marks for effort.
Do come and regail us with your stories of adventure if your around for our dinner . ...verse or song accepted also!
Roly
Hi Jim, is your boat now moored in Tarbert permanently? Sounds like a grand trip you've just had. Good on yer. Quentin
Quentin Sands, past owner
1991 26C Mrs MacGregor
1993 Mac19, Margarita
Hi Guys
If we still have Pen Gwyn (which looks likely) we may well join you for a few days at the rally.
Yes Saracen is moored permanently at Tarbert. I can't tell you how much I hate the Irish Sea and Love sailing on the Clyde.
Don't forget, if any of you are ever up there give us a call. We just might be able to find a drop of something to enhance the joys of Scottish sailing.
Best Regards to all,
Jim and Susan Pen Gwyn (and Saracen)
PS Apparently Saracen was originally called, "Lob Lolly Boy". Thank God somebody changed the name!
Jim