Big Bruvver

[Amy]

It has come to my attention today that the peculiar customs and excise department are now gathering more information on people who purchase and use red diesel for leisure purposes.

A declaration now has to be made when purchasing red, as to its specific use.
ie. if you have a boat you need to break down the usage into heating/power and transport.  So, if you live on a static boat thats cool but If you also put to sea (or river) you need to declare and pay a higher rate of duty.

What next?

[NickW]

General crackdown on tax avoidance on fuels. Red diesel scams big business. Most run by ex IRA.

My diving club had loads of issues with HMRC last year. We had basically been claiming the VAT back on petrol as we classed our boats as rescue boats.

The taxman didn't agree. That said they agreed not to backdate bill us but we couldn't claim vat back on any futre purchases.

[Ivan]

Legally you're entitled to reclaim the road tax on lawn mower petrol - but actually try doing it.

[wyleu]

I await the proposal to attach paperwork to the individual molecules with a faint interest in implementation.

[Ted]

The tax regime on red diesel use in boats changed from 1st November. For propulsion in pleasure craft the excise is now about 50p per litre plus 17.5% VAT instead of the previous figure of 10p per litre plus 5% VAT.

When purchasing fuel for boating use it is now up to the purchaser to declare what proportion is being used for propulsion and pay the correct tax accordingly.

[wyleu]

Given worse things happen at sea, does this mean that it may be required for the Air Sea Rescue  people to check your tanks before they rescue you?

[Ted]

No, they're more worried about getting their ropes in a twist.

It does mean that the gov are getting about 200% tax though, with oil at $61 a barrel, so quite a nice little earner. Should pay off the loans for the banks in no time.

[Amy]

If its left to a voluntary declaration, i cant see anyone owning up too soon. Would you?

[northern installer]

Legally you're entitled to reclaim the road tax on lawn mower petrol - but actually try doing it.

If you go into the customs and vat office dressed as a gay pirate Ivan,I doubt they will take the issue seriously;I'd put the 39p down to experience if I were you 

[KenB]

List,

I am having a bad problem with DVLA.

My father in law died in late May, and DVLA are hounding him for failing to declare SORN on his car.

I opened a letter to him today demanding £40 by 14th Nov,  rising to £80 by 12th Dec, and threatening fines of up to £1000 or imprisonment.

On the letter demanding a fine for late notification of SORN, there was no telephone number, where I could explain the situation to a human operator.

I tried their automated phone system to try and declare SORN, but the computer failed to recognise the 16 digit reference number.

I then got on the web and eventually found a DVLA enquiries number.  I spoke to a male operative who was rude, blunt and unsympathetic and accused me of not following the correct procedure nearer to the time of death.

It appears that we are taxed to the grave and then some more just to rub it in!

Apart for their enquiries number on the website, DVLA have got to get the award for the least contactable government agency - come friendly bombs and fall on Swansea.


Ken

[oliver90owner]

Ken,

or imprisonment.

Take that option as long as it doesn't involve anyone but the deceased.

You also need to surrender the passport and drivers licence or they may well fine you for not giving a change of address!!!!

You and every one else who have a photo driving licence may be interested to know that these have to be renewed every ten years at a cost of £?  Another back door/stealth tax on the motorist.

They don't advertise the fact but send out letters (to those driving illegally?), at present.  But that may well change to a fine etc shortly

Regards, RAB

[Ivan]

Ken,

One things for sure, taxes and fines do cease at death. (Inheritance tax is aimed squarely at living beneficiaries). So I don't think there's anything DVLA can do about it. Personally, I'd simply transfer the car to a new owner, which will wipe the slate clean - you don't inherit fines when you buy/receive a car. Then simply send all DVLA letters addressed to your father-in-law back to DVLA with the words DECEASED on them. If they keep hassling you, or if you feel that they need a rap on the knucles, get your local MP involved. Also, a call to The Sun works wonders - they love reporting on things like that, and government find it embarrasing. As you mention, DVLA don't give a monkey's about any personal grief and upset that they may cause.

Amy,
If it's illegal, it's more fun, isn't it? I was in some ways sorry to hear that the government was removing tax on biodiesel - when it's legal to use it without paying any road tax it does take away half the incentive.

[Amy]

Your a bad boy Ivan, but your right. Whether its geting one over on the law or enjoying a poached pheasant, the free meat tastes better.

Fear not, there are lots of other stealthy taxes to be paid. 

[Amy]

Ken,

Being as the DVLA have been so arsey and rude, and provided the liability ends with the deceased, i would let them huff and puff and do their worst.

Im sure youve seen the stuff on TV where the gas board send a bill to a house thats never had gas and wont accept the explaination untill the bailifs arrive and cant find the meter or supply.
Whos the fool then?

[Ivan]