Time running out for savings on five-seat commercial SUVs

New tax regime comes into force from July 31st

Volkswagen’s Touareg N1 commercial model is a five-seat SUV that fits the criteria for commercial tax, meaning a saving of a whopping €23,400 on the equivalent passenger version.

Motorists are facing a deadline on a tax loophole that has meant major savings for buyers of popular five-seat SUVs that qualified as quasi-commercial vehicles.

That N1 loophole in the tax system has seen everything from a Bentley Bentayga to a Ford Kuga given commercial vehicle status, but it is closing at the end of next month.

The current scheme allows vehicles that qualify to be taxed at 13.3 per cent Vehicle Registration Tax.

However, this is coming to an end and anyone looking to benefit now must register their commercial SUV by July 30th this year.

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Volkswagen has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the current tax regime and offers an example of its Touareg N1 commercial model.

This is a five-seat SUV that fits the criteria for commercial tax, meaning a saving of a whopping €23,400 on the equivalent passenger version.

If registered by July 30th, this particular Touareg is priced at €62,295 (including VAT).

And you don’t lose out on equipment, with the vehicles available in all levels of trim, up to the sporty R-Line.

There is even a special offer on the technology pack, worth €5,500, that is now offered for €1,499.

If you have a VAT-registered business the savings are substantial but the clock is ticking.

Michael McAleer

Michael McAleer

Michael McAleer is Motoring Editor, Innovation Editor and an Assistant Business Editor at The Irish Times