Does anybody have recent information on the EU VAT for yachts? Especially minimum thresholds? We have a modest 1990, 31’ yacht that I brought into the EU in the Azores last May. If I do the math, my 18 months is up ~September this year. The boat is currently wintered in Italy and we’re planning to sail to Greece this spring. We may sail up to Albania to reset the boat’s VAT calendar but I’d rather not have to.

I purchased the boat in 2017 for 50,000 USD and am hoping the EU authorities would deep she’s of such low value that it’s not worth imposing the VAT on her. I also heard from someone that 1985 was a cutoff date (boats older than 1985 vintage weren’t taxed).

Is thee VAT 20% of “value?” How is value calculated? If it’s very low, I may just pay it. 

Thoughts appreciated. Thanks!