Company Vans - any accountants?

[donatien]

I'm looking to get a workhorse runaround. If I buy a van through my company isn't there a very decent tax break on this as opposed to company cars? Something like a flat rate of £500 or something? Does the fuel allowance still revert to Gordons extortionate figures though?

I considered selling the Griff to my company and running from there but that isn't viable so looking for a cheap solution ( and free advice )

Cheers

Dave

[chris.mapey]

Careful.

As far as I know this loophole was going to be closed.

ie you are liable for the full tax for whatever vehicle that you are in. This will supposedly kill off the trade in "crew-cab" pick-ups (mitsi animal etc) that are being pitched as co. car replacements.

As far as my limited knowledge goes, if you need a van / commercial vehicle for work the tax is a one off liability for the year. The new ruling (if there is one) will charge you if you get the vehicle to circumvent the co car tax. ie if you are repping or are the MD trading out of your luxobarge.

The rules for co car tax frighten me!!! so my advice would be GET PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. and see what they recommend.

I know what I would rather drive by the way!

Chris

[UpTheIron]

Been looking at this myself - not got around to speaking to my accountant, but according to www.sjdaccountancy.com/content/taxcentre_taxcard/vehicle.html (you'll probably have to register),

under 4 years old "benefit" is £500
over 4 years old "benefit" is £350

This INCLUDES the company paying for private use fuel (I didn't notice this until tonight, and this is rather persasive).

What I am slightly less clear on is what qualifies as a van - I believe anything that is truly a van, and 2 & 4 cab pickups also qualify if they will carry over a ton. Anyone know if a GMC Syclone qualifies?!! What else would be a fun van?

Caveats:
That is for THIS tax year.
I *think* it is the same next year.

[UpTheIron]

OK, just sent my accountant an e-mail. Should get an answer on Monday.

[donatien]

Well, I'm looking at getting a fully qualified small van. Clio/206/Berlingo sort of thing, probably new.

I can buy a van ex vat from Makro for around £8k which is silly money for could be a company "car". Not really arsed either way about how it's fuelled but I guess that also comes in to play on benefits.

If the fuel cost is inclusive that is a real incentive to run that as the main "car" and keep the Griff for the fun side of things.

Thanks for the help chaps

Dave