Tax question

[Lord Sterling]

As you might know, my tax is due up in a few days. But theres a bit of a confusing situation here.

 

My tax disc says Tax expires on the 31st, yet on the DVLA Database, it says tax exipres on the 1st of the next month.

 

I once had a car that I drove around for a month and only realised the day I was going abroad that the tax had run out a month earlier. SPoke to the DVLA on the way and they told me that if the tax had run out on the 1st of the month, I didnt need to worry about it until at least the end of that month. Apparently if tax runs out within a that month, then you have until the end of that month to buy tax.

 

Where do I stand on this?

[CIH]

I've never seen a tax disc that doesn't run to the end of a given month

[dollywobbler]

DVLA database probably shows the 1st as the first liability date - ie the first one where you're breaking the law. That's my understanding. Wouldn't chance it!

[Lord Sterling]

Looks like I'm going to have to beg, borrow and steal as much money as I can get. It wouldnt be so bad if I the bills were not coming out at the same time.

 

Oh well, its just another one of this 'bad luck' patch I'm going through.

[MrDuke]

Start a petition for re-introduction of rolling exemption. That will solve everything.

 

 

Seriously though it's a PITA, I've got to buy one lot next week (for the Pug, so it's high band), then I won't be able to pick up my 'new' shite for at least another month simply because I won't have any cash left to tax it with Although it's low band, so not (quite) such a big deal.

[Mr Lobster]

As Dollywobbler says, the car is taxed until 23.59 on the 31st, DVLA site shows 1st as thats when you become 'liable'.

 

It used to be that you got 14 days grace but I really wouldn't want to rely on that to stay legal as it most certainly isn't the case these days.

[dollywobbler]

You DO get 5 days grace these days.

[pogweasel]

You DO get 5 days grace these days.

IF you are buying online, this covers you from buying your disc at 00:00 on the 1st but they don't get it through the post to you until the 5th.

I think this does NOT apply if you are just bimbling about without having either ordered online or attempted to get one down the post office.

[nigel bickle]

0 days grace.

 

DVLA have summons'ed me for no tax on 3rd March this year.. Previously taxed to end Feb. So -2 days out.

 

However-it was already retaxed online- disc not yet received.

Car wasnt being used- was just parked up(arguably -off road!)

 

So -I've told them its a mendacious prosecution, and will thump them for substantive expenses,costs etc -when we finally get there.

 

Hopefully, it might dissuade them 'from 'shooting from the hip'' so much.

[dollywobbler]

The 5 days grace does definitely exist - I've see the press releases! Pog's right that you must have bought it already. Sounds like satan's minions have been pestering you again Nigel.

[nigel bickle]

Yup. 5 days - only if you tax ONLINE before previous expires.

 

I did.

 

Bloody jobsworth's. Looking forward to this 'bout'.

 

Might even employ legal beagle-since they'll be paying.

[FredTransit]

I agree, the 5 days is right, if you have bought online, and it's 5 days to display. It was in a leaflet with the renewal from the DVLA a while ago. There is no point in them trying to prosecute you within the month of the tax expiring, as you can walk into a PO and get the tax as long as the car has MOT and insurance. The tax will HAVE to be backdated when you buy it, as the disc doesn't get dated from when you buy it, it's from the 1st of the month it's valid from. So you will have paid the tax by the time you get any court date, and the offence would have been failure to display, which wouldn't be what they initially try to fine you for anyway.

 

Nigel I would go for them like they've gone for you. I don't think the CPS will see the funny side.

[nigel bickle]

Yup- they've dropped a bollock.

 

However-the 1 month rule doesnt apply anymore sadly-because they nick you for failure to display.

They cant get you for backtax-but can thisway.

 

So -5days-ONLY if its taxed online before the last disc expires.

 

I've sent them a letter (Certificate Of Posting...)claiming mendacious prosecution-which should put their backs right up. If now they fail to back down-and it does indeed get to Court-I have them over a barrel.