INCOME TAX DEFINITION OF “GOODS VEHICLE”
The income tax legislation defines a “goods vehicle” as “a vehicle of a construction primarily suited for the conveyance of goods or burden of any description…”
Although the VW Kombi vans failed this test the Tribunal held that
Vauxhall Vivaro vans provided by Coca Cola did fall within the
definition of goods vehicles!
It is understood that this case is due to be heard at the Court of
Appeal which will provide legal precedent over the tax treatment. Until
then it gives employers a dilemma as to how to report such vehicles on
employees’ form P11d and also whether the position in earlier years
should be rectified. The tribunal had to seek evidence from automotive
industry experts so how are employers expected to interpret the rules!
What is also particularly confusing, and thus difficult for businesses
to deal with, is that the benefit in kind rules are not the same as the
rules for capital allowances and VAT.
