Reclaiming VAT for a T30? Over 1 tonne?

[VanMan48]

I need a Kombi for the business and to be able to reclaim VAT.

There seems to be a VAT rule that the payload needs to be over 1 tonne to be classed as commercial and to be able to reclaim the VAT.

For ref the T30 I've seen is a 2020 T6.1 / DSG / Highline 150ps

Now I know T32's are clearly above the 1 tonne thing, but T30's seem to be on the edge and is vague when searching online. Various searches says it seems to be on the cusp of 1,000kg or just under.

Anyone know? Anyone reclaimed VAT on T30 ok? Is the 1 tonne rule still in play in 2026?

 

[Dellmassive]

a quick google. . .


it says you must have a payload more than 1tonne


+++++++++++++++++++


For a vehicle to be classed as a commercial vehicle (specifically a van) and for you to be able to reclaim the VAT in the UK, it must have a payload of 1 tonne (1,000 kg) or more. This rule is particularly important for double-cab pickups, which are often treated as cars if they fail to meet this threshold.
PKP & Company +2
Here is the breakdown of the rules and considerations:

1. The 1-Tonne Rule for VAT

• Definition: Payload is calculated as the Gross Vehicle Weight (maximum weight when fully loaded) minus the Unoccupied Kerb Weight (weight of the empty vehicle).
• VAT Threshold: Vehicles with a payload of 1,000 kg or more are generally considered commercial vehicles ("vans") for VAT purposes.
• Under 1 Tonne: If the payload is under 1,000 kg, the vehicle is usually classed as a car, and you cannot reclaim the VAT unless it is used 100% for business.
  JT Hughes +2

2. Impact of Accessories (Crucial)

• Adding accessories like a hard top, canopy, or rear seats can reduce the payload.
• HMRC's Rule: HMRC typically assigns a weight of 45 kg to a hard top. If a vehicle has a payload of 1,010 kg, adding a 45 kg hard top drops it to 965 kg, turning it into a "car" and blocking the VAT claim.
• Tip: If you need a hard top, ensure the vehicle's base payload is high enough (e.g., above 1,045 kg) to ensure it stays over 1,000 kg after fitting.
  GOV.UK +4

3. Reclaiming VAT

• If the vehicle is a van (1+ tonne payload) and bought by a VAT-registered business, you can reclaim the VAT on the purchase.
• If you use the van for both business and private purposes, you must account for this in your VAT return, although it is still much more flexible than with a company car.
  
  
  Saint & Co +2

4. Important Changes (Post-April 2025)

• While the VAT rules regarding the 1-tonne test remain in place, HMRC has changed the rules for Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) and Capital Allowances.
• From 6 April 2025, many double-cab pickups will be treated as cars for tax (BIK), making them less tax-efficient for employees, but they will still count as commercial vehicles for VAT purposes.
  Roger Young +2

Disclaimer: Tax rules can be complex and subject to change. It is recommended to verify the payload on the specific vehicle's VIN plate and consult a tax professional before purchasing.

 

[Dellmassive]

and . . .

VW Transporter payloads range from approximately 713kg to 1,330kg, depending on the model (T28, T30, T32), engine, and roof height. Generally, higher T-rated models (T32) offer greater capacity (up to 1,308kg), while the electric e-Transporter provides a payload between 1,009kg and 1,092kg.
Parkers +5
Key Payload Details by Model (Approximate):

• • T6.1 Panel Van: 713kg – 1,309kg
  • T28 (2.8t GVW): 745kg – 885kg
  • T30 (3.0t GVW): 912kg – 1,114kg
  • T32 (3.2t GVW): 987kg – 1,308kg
  • Electric (e-Transporter): 1,009kg – 1,092kg
    Parkers +4

 

[Dellmassive]

so T28 is a no.

and T30 & T32 are all good.

 

[VanMan48]

so T28 is a no.

and T30 & T32 are all good.

Thanks. Yeah it was the range of:

• T30 (3.0t GVW): 912kg – 1,114kg

....that made me ask about the T30. Seems like it might be ok then.

 

[Dellmassive]

it depends on the build spec . . . the more stuff you have the less payload you can have.

the gross weight of my T32 is 3200Kg, so the available payload is that minus the vans built weight.

if you need to get 100% accurate details. you might need to run it past VW.

 

[DarranKing68]

Anyone else find it interesting that when it comes to VAT reclaim under 1 tonne is classed as a car but when it comes to the dvla, speed limits and insurance it’s classed as a commercial vehicle.

Surely it’s either one or the other.

 

[ChrisBell]

I had a similar conundrum with my van(s). What I would add is speak to your accountant. You would hope that they could advise you of the particular scenario etc

 

[Kev.O]

I believe it’s under the 1 tonne unfortunately

 

[Kev.O]

https://www.vwpress.co.uk/assets/documents/original/33887-transportersbrochure.pdf

This is where I cross referenced

 

[VanMan48]

https://www.vwpress.co.uk/assets/documents/original/33887-transportersbrochure.pdf

This is where I cross referenced

damn thats annoying!

 

[Dellmassive]

TBF may last work van was a T30 and had no worries with the accountant claiming for whatever. Vat registered and had that van for seven years. Intact I don't recollect them ever asking about payload

Current workvan is a T32. And same applies.

 

[Greybeard]

As per @Kev.O above;

The payload depends on the unladen weight of the vehicle.

My LWB T32 150ps Kombi weighs 84kg more than the similar spec van.

Complicated further with T30s as some are gross weight 3,000kg and others @ 3,080kg.
Maybe as they came with the ‘bigger brakes’ and 17” wheels?

Attached screenshots are from T6 Sept ‘19 VW brochure, but may help for reference?

Andy

 

[dubber36]

My understanding of the situation is that if the vehicle is VAT qualifying, you will get a VAT invoice and the VAT amount will be reclaimable, regardless of vehicle type or weight. Small commercials like Caddy and Transit Connect are subject to VAT as well.

Even used cars can be VAT qualifying. Let's say Hertz buy a new car for rental, they will claim the VAT back. When they have finished with it, it will be sold still as VAT qualifying, meaning it's price will be plus VAT. They will sell it with a VAT invoice, so the VAT that they receive from the sale will be paid back to HMRC. With that invoice, if the next owner uses it for business purposes such as a company car for an employee, then he will be able to claim the VAT amount back. When he sells it, he must sell it with a VAT invoice and pay that amount back to HMRC. Once the vehicle is sold to someone for private use, they may not be able to claim back the VAT, so it will no longer be VAT qualifying.

So in short, if the van is sold to you as VAT qualifying, and you buy it for business use, you can claim the VAT back. When you sell it, you must do so plus VAT and pay that amount back to HMRC. If the van isn't VAT qualifying now because it was owned privately, there is no VAT for you to claim back.

 

[VanMan48]

As per @Kev.O above;

The payload depends on the unladen weight of the vehicle.

My LWB T32 150ps Kombi weighs 84kg more than the similar spec van.

Complicated further with T30s as some are gross weight 3,000kg and others @ 3,080kg.
Maybe as they came with the ‘bigger brakes’ and 17” wheels?

Attached screenshots are from T6 Sept ‘19 VW brochure, but may help for reference?

Andy

View attachment 319680

View attachment 319681

Thanks Andy thats actually very useful. Seems the T30 150ps DSG highline is 925kg payload which is annoying!

 

[dubber36]

Thanks Andy thats actually very useful. Seems the T30 150ps DSG highline is 925kg payload which is annoying!

I just re-read my post to see if I'd missed anything. Is the 2020 van you are looking at being sold subject to VAT?

 

[VanMan48]

I just re-read my post to see if I'd missed anything. Is the 2020 van you are looking at being sold subject to VAT?

Yes its subject to VAT. which now makes me think that the previous owner reclaimed the vat on it ok

 

[StratosFearXX]

Mr Massive's post says "Under 1 Tonne: If the payload is under 1,000 kg, the vehicle is usually classed as a car, and you cannot reclaim the VAT unless it is used 100% for business."

So shouldn't be an issue if it's 100% a business vehicle?

 

[dubber36]

Mr Massive's post says "Under 1 Tonne: If the payload is under 1,000 kg, the vehicle is usually classed as a car, and you cannot reclaim the VAT unless it is used 100% for business."

So shouldn't be an issue if it's 100% a business vehicle?

I don't understand why the weight makes a difference. A basic Caddy has a vehicle and driver weight stated in the brochure at 1537kg and a GVW of 2200kg. That gives a payload of 663kg. The Caddy is no less of a commercial vehicle than a Transporter. A VAT registered user can claim the VAT back off either vehicle for business use.

Equally any private use 'should' be declared and adjustments made to his VAT returns for either vehicle.

 

[Notintheclique]

I don't understand why the weight makes a difference. A basic Caddy has a vehicle and driver weight stated in the brochure at 1537kg and a GVW of 2200kg. That gives a payload of 663kg. The Caddy is no less of a commercial vehicle than a Transporter. A VAT registered user can claim the VAT back off either vehicle for business use.

Equally any private use 'should' be declared and adjustments made to his VAT returns for either vehicle.

Reading this thread it seems that the weight makes a difference to if the vehicle is solely used for business or not. So if it’s under 1tonne then the vat can only be claimed back if the vehicle is never used as private. Ie you could not nip to the supermarket for your groceries or go to the local cinema to watch a movie.
That’s how I understand it.