Red Diesel Duty

[Channel Ribs]

How complex is the decision to split the use of marine diesel for duty purposes?!



Why didn't they just create a new mid-band? Which they have effectively done, but dressed it up in all kinds of fancy clothes!

Anyone hoping for some sense and clarity from the BMF may be dispapointed, the full text of which can be found on our Scuttlebutt site:

www.scuttlebut.org

[jwalker]

So what's so difficult to understand? If you're a power boater, probably best not to fuss and just make use of the generous allowance for heating. Shoosh........

PS. You do have a heater fitted, don't you?

[codprawn]

The problem is that with a RIB you almost have no chance of claiming that the fuel is being used for heating or power generation.

Live aboards have the best chance - gennies and heaters can be incredibly thristy.

of course what will happen is that most boats will become available for charter so they will all be commercial.

[Nos4r2]

Wonder if you could have a heater for the heads fitted in the console?

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Wonder if you could have a heater for the heads fitted in the console?

Get one of those nice Taylors ones and you could do hot smoked salmon there! Then sell it off the quay and wahey you really are commercial.

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by jwalker

So what's so difficult to understand?

From the document linked above:....

Charging duty and VAT
The following is an illustration /example of a calculation of duty and VAT under the new
arrangements. It is intended to be an illustration only. The proportion split between
propulsion and domestic usage will vary.
HMRC have confirmed that VAT is charged at the reduced rate of 5% on fuel for propulsion
and domestic use.
This example assumes a 60% (propulsion) and 40% (domestic) split for a purchase of 100
litres of red diesel (the price of diesel is assumed to be 0.70ppl which includes 9.69ppl duty
already paid to fuel supplier):
Propulsion calculation(i.e. 60%)
60 litres @ 0.70ppl = £42
60 litres @ 0.4066 = £24.40 (additional duty)
VAT @ 5% = £3.32
Propulsion Total = £69.72
Domestic calculation (i.e. 40%)
40 litres @ 0.70ppl = £28
VAT @ 5% = £ 1.40
Domestic Total = £29.40
Transaction Total = £99.12

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by codprawn

of course what will happen is that most boats will become available for charter so they will all be commercial.

I doubt it. Extra kit required plus cost of survey etc means you need to use a lot of fuel to justify it. Then every skipper needs to be commercially endorsed. And personal use of a coded boat would still expect you to pay the duty.

[jwalker]

My understanding is that, when purchasing fuel, the maximum that should be accepted as being used for heating is 40%, apparently based on a usage survey.

I guess, in practise, the buyer will tell the seller how much fuel they want for propulsion, the sale will be done and the receipt printed. Then the buyer will tell the seller how much they want for heating, the seller will check to make sure it's not more that 40% of the propulsion sale and the sale of that fuel will go through and a receipt printed. The complex calculation won't be necessary, it's just two sales for the selling company who will likely have a system in place for each type of sale.

[Doug Stormforce]

Originally Posted by malthouse

How complex is the decision to split the use of marine diesel for duty purposes?!


Why didn't they just create a new mid-band? Which they have effectively done, but dressed it up in all kinds of fancy clothes!

For a change the tax man has been good to us, he is effectivly saying you claim an incredibly generous 60 : 40% split and he will not argue.

A new band would be completly inappropriate, the red diesel rate applies to your heating (40%) and standrad rates apply to the fuel for propulsion (60%).

Remember it was Europe that insitsed we stop using red for leisure use some time ago

[Paul Beaurain]

Hi
Malthouse
Firstly thank you for the breakdown you gave.

Yes I think in general terms leisure boaters (diesel) have had a slight reprive here - certainly for now...

So If we do use the boat commercially how will it work again on say a 100L purchase? using again say the 70 pence per litre?
Do we pay and claim back or simply pay less at the time of purchase?
thank you for helping me on this one.
Paul