avoiding VAT

[tom puett]

now that croatia is in the EU does anyone know of the best places to go to recharge the 18 month limit on a non EU boat staying in the EU ?

[savoir]

Dunno about best, but everywhere from Turkey to Morocco is still available.

This decision might well decimate the charter biz in Croatia. Interesting times ahead.

[Sindbad]

We left our boat in Tunisia in Port Yasmine/Hamamett. Berthing fee for one year contract was reasonable and the Marina is well managed. Customs and immigration have offices there, and staff is friendly and helpful. 1 hour drive to Cartage/tunis airport.
While I am writing this I am sitting in Istanbul airport waiting for my connecting flight to Tunis. Next week we will sail to Sicily, just 20 hours away

[monte]

Montenegro or Albania maybe

[tom puett]

Originally Posted by monte

Montenegro or Albania maybe

Where in Albania would you go?

[valhalla360]

Switzerland (and yes, I'm serious).

[tom puett]

how would i get my 9 foot draft sail boat to switzerland? it sounds fabulous

[valhalla360]

Originally Posted by tom puett

how would i get my 9 foot draft sail boat to switzerland? it sounds fabulous

9' draft is possible but with a great many things deep draft sailboats are at a disadvantage cruising. You could fight your way up the Rhine if you are fast enough but it will be a long slog.

If you are a more reasonable 4-5' draft the french canals give you easier access.

From the Med: Up the Rhone to St Jean do Losne, then the Rhone au Rhine canal to the Rhine than it's only something like 20 miles against the current.

From the Channel: There are a number of canals thru france that get you to St Jean do Losne.

[K_V_B]

Originally Posted by savoir

Dunno about best, but everywhere from Turkey to Morocco is still available.

This decision might well decimate the charter biz in Croatia. Interesting times ahead.

I don't see how this will affect the Charter biz...

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by K_V_B

I don't see how this will affect the Charter biz...

Me neither , what has EU accession done to possibly affect the charter business.

Dave

[savoir]

The owners will be liable for VAT. Take a look at the listings of any broker in Croatia. Most boats are marked " tax unpaid ".

You would expect to see some kind of grandfather clause in the Croatian tax law for boats already there but new ones ? The supply could dry up.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by savoir

The owners will be liable for VAT. Take a look at the listings of any broker in Croatia. Most boats are marked " tax unpaid ".

You would expect to see some kind of grandfather clause in the Croatian tax law for boats already there but new ones ? The supply could dry up.

All Croatian boats are in effect being grandfathered in , so no effect there. Charters buy boats at VAT free pricing anyway ( they are VAT registered business in the main) hence the effect is neutral to them , in fact it may be beneficial as the Croatian local taxes are being phased out.

Dave

[savoir]

The buying isn't the issue, it's the selling. Every Croatian charter boat will be instantly taxable in the hands of every EU buyer. There will be no financial advantage in it for them so they will buy local. That only leaves foreign non EU buyers which is a serious narrowing of the buyer base.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by savoir

The buying isn't the issue, it's the selling. Every Croatian charter boat will be instantly taxable in the hands of every EU buyer. There will be no financial advantage in it for them so they will buy local. That only leaves foreign non EU buyers which is a serious narrowing of the buyer base.

But unless an EU buyer was just going to keep it in Croatia they had to pay the vat somewhere in the EU. I don't see the issue as being central to the charter industry.

Dave

[savoir]

It will take a while. Next year the number of new charter boat buyers will start to shrink unless the Croatian government can offer something. My knowledge of Croatian tax law is zero so I can't make any suggestions there.

Right now there just might be one or two EU boat owners in the Croatian charter industry whose motivation might just be . . . how you say . . . "slightly suspect". They lurk amongst the owners of the quality boats such as Swan, HR and Oyster.

As for details, well I couldn't possibly comment.