05 January 2004

KEEBLE HAWSON

www.keeblehawson.co.uk

E-MAIL UPDATE

VEHICLE TAX

You have no doubt all seen the advertisements that no vehicle owner can hide from the DVLA under its new car tax rules: this is a further reminder.

From January 2004, it is the responsibility of the registered keeper of
the vehicle to ensure that it is taxed. The registered keeper is the
person whose name appears on the DVLA records. This may therefore have wide implications for employers in relation to company cars and vehicles used during the course of employment. If the vehicle is registered in the company name it is the company's responsibility to tax the vehicle. If the vehicle is registered in the
name of the principal driver, then it is his responsibility to tax. In
the light of these new rules, we advise any employers who are unsure as
to the details of registration to check their records or with the DVLA.
Furthermore the DVLA has warned that if a vehicle is sold, transferred
or stolen then unless they have been informed of this is writing and
have issued an acknowledgment, the old vehicle owner is still liable to
tax the vehicle. It is therefore imperative to notify the DVLA
immediately of any change in vehicle owner. Not only will this assist in
avoiding liability for car tax, it will also ensure that if an accident
does occur the correct owner/driver can be prosecuted, as the DVLA
records will be accurate and up to date
As the advertisement states, computer print outs will indicate which
vehicles remain untaxed regardless of their hiding place and a fine of
£80 will be levied. This fine is reduced to £40 if paid within 28 days
Vehicle Owners who may consider that the fine is cheaper than the road
tax are reminded that repeat offenders may be prosecuted and fined in
excess of £1000.
Further information can be obtained from the DVLA web site on
www.dvla.gov.uk <http://www.dvla.gov.uk>
(Keeble Hawson is not responsible for the content of external websites)
For more information contact:-
Paul Grindley (Leeds Office) 0113 399 3494
E-mail: paulgrindley@keeblehawson.co.uk
Sarah Hall (Sheffield Office) 0114 272 2061
E-mail: sarahhall@keeblehawson.co.uk
www.keeblehawson.co.uk

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