Yet Another VAT Query

[fairgrace]

I'm thinking of buying a boat in NZ that has previously been UK VAT paid and is now also NZ tax paid and is under a NZ flag. I would (eventually intend to return her to EU waters.

Is there any way that I could avoid repaying UK tax ?

I have considered trying to make the transaction in the UK in which case, I ask myself: how would customs know that she was ever exported?

[goboatingnow]

Technically since the boat is outside the EU vat is payable again on reentry as she has been sold outside the eu. However as you point out it's almost impossible for customs to prove she was exported. If you want to do that reregister in an eu country ( most likely the uk). It's awkward convincing customs that a foreign non eu registered boat is vat paid at times.

Dave

[fairgrace]

Thanks.
I'm not yet sure if she has actually previously been sold outside UK waters, I suspect not, so if I could arrange a UK bill of sale and the original vat certificate it's difficult to see how the VAT question would arise.

[goboatingnow]

A Uk bill of sale showing the buyer was an EU resident would be needed, otherwise it would be somewhat proof of the opposite,

DAve

[fairgrace]

Thanks Dave, this is pretty much what I thought.
Pete

[goboatingnow]

the original vat certificate

Theres no such thing as a VAT certificate, at most you should get hold of a copy of the original sales invoice from the dealer( or more likely the first buyer) , which should show the VAT amount. You can never prove VAT was paid, merely that the dealer collected it.

Dave