Information on buying a TAX FREE CAR if Disabled Please

G-MIKI

TOBRUK wrote: »

I don't think (as I have understood it) that I would be able to buy a new car and be VAT exempt with hand controls, but I might be wrong - very interesting.

You need to be a wheelchair or stretcher user to qualify. The adaptions you have would certainly be eligible.

The car has to be adapted before you take delivery and the adaptions have to be shown on the invoice.

Although the dealers are finally getting used to the VAT-free option, it has not been unusual to have to explain to them how the scheme works.

Steve

sunnyone

I wondnt bother pushing the envelope about adaptions ATM because HMCE are checking cars out post delivery after the multi million pound frauds of late and hand controls and a steering pin are the minimum that will comply (for a driver) and you have to be a full time wheelchair user or at least 80% and not domeone who occasionally uses one.

Ive had 4 new zero rated new cars this century and the systems changed because people are buying then selling on new cars at vastly reduced prices from new and messing it up for everyone else.

TOBRUK

G-MIKI wrote: »

You need to be a wheelchair or stretcher user to qualify. The adaptions you have would certainly be eligible.

Steve

Thank you for your reply G-MIKI. Although I have hand control adaptions, I am not a wheelchair user and so I don't think I would qualify would I?

G-MIKI

TOBRUK wrote: »

Thank you for your reply G-MIKI. Although I have hand control adaptions, I am not a wheelchair user and so I don't think I would qualify would I?

If you are not a wheelchair user then no, you wouldn't qualify. The current rules are very specific.

G-MIKI

sunnyone wrote: »

I wondnt bother pushing the envelope about adaptions ATM because HMCE are checking cars out post delivery after the multi million pound frauds of late and hand controls and a steering pin are the minimum that will comply (for a driver) and you have to be a full time wheelchair user or at least 80% and not domeone who occasionally uses one.

Ive had 4 new zero rated new cars this century and the systems changed because people are buying then selling on new cars at vastly reduced prices from new and messing it up for everyone else.

A steering knob is not required - I never have one fitted. I used to use one pre-power steering but that technology has virtually made them unnecessary, at least as far as I am concerned.

The scams you are referring to were very blatent where the cars did not even leave the showroom. Amazingly the disabled people doing this were fined for benefit fraud, i.e. not declaring earnings as a motor trader, rather than fraudulently using this concession. I suspect the dealers complicit in this act were stamped on rather heavily though.

I am unaware of any formal change to the scheme as a result of this. HMRC Reference:Notice 701/59 (March 2002) is still the latest issue as far as I am aware. I would be very surprised if HMC&E were not instituting greater checks though.

Saversue

TOBRUK wrote: »

Hi Saversue, I can imagine how you are feeling waiting for that brown envelope and then ... being afraid to open it!

I take it you need to change your existing car, or perhaps you haven't got a car yet? Do you need any adaptions?

IF they don't extend your mobility for now, would you perhaps be able to buy a second hand car? I ask because I have never gone down the motability route, I bought a second hand car and then had it adapted. My car is now 14 years old and still going strong - just past MOT first time.:)

Yes I have my own car, but it's manual and a need an automatic because of nerve damage and spasms in left leg. Doesn't look like i will qualify though.

Thanks to everyone for your contributions, hope they helped somebody.

tightwad11

Thanks,ill ring them.

TOBRUK

Saversue wrote: »

Yes I have my own car, but it's manual and a need an automatic because of nerve damage and spasms in left leg. Doesn't look like i will qualify though.

Thanks to everyone for your contributions, hope they helped somebody.

I have an automatic as I have paralysis of my right arm so couldn't change gear and have one hand on steering wheel! I have steering knob with all switches (indicator, horn, lights/dip etc) on it ... it is wonderful.

Hope you get an automatic soon.;)

Oscar_The_Grouch

Saversue wrote: »

Yes I have my own car, but it's manual and a need an automatic because of nerve damage and spasms in left leg. Doesn't look like i will qualify though.

Thanks to everyone for your contributions, hope they helped somebody.

I have nerve damage, a numb left leg, spasms in my back and I sold my manual car - small world!!!!