The latest case Vinyl Design Ltd v HMRC [2014] TC 03345 highlights why policies and mileage records are important.
Here are the facts of the case:
- The company’s only 2 employees were the directors
- They had different cars for private use
- They argued the Pool car was only for Business Use
- They had no policy
- They had no Mileage Records
- Pool Cars kept at home due to risk of vandelism
Not surprisingly HMRC won the case !!
So what should you do to prove there is no private use:
- Keep the car on the company’s business premises
- Keep the keys at the company’s business premises
- Prepare a Board Minute
- Make sure your contract of employment bans private use
- Keep a mileage log
- Insure the car principally for business use
HMRC have specific rules on keeping vehicles at home in EIM23465
Even if you do meet the 60% rule you still have to prove ‘no private use’
steve@bicknells.net
Business Accountant 