Van finance in Waterford

If you are moving into a vacant unit, check Waterford City and County Council’s Economic Incentive Scheme first: up to three years’ rates relief, capped at €5,000 a year, plus a €6,000 start-up grant over three years. LEO Waterford, with offices in the city and Dungarvan, can also advise on grants and mentoring.

Yes. A limited company can finance a van on hire purchase, a finance lease or contract hire, with the company as the borrower and the van registered in its name. Lenders look at your accounts, bank statements and the van's age and value, and may ask a director for a personal guarantee. Vans are one of the easiest assets to finance because they hold their value.

It depends on how long you keep vans and your tax position. Buying outright or on hire purchase means your company owns the van and claims capital allowances on the full cost, but VAT is due upfront. Leasing spreads the VAT over the rentals, and contract hire can include maintenance but sets mileage limits. Ask your accountant to compare the after-tax cost.

Usually, yes. Revenue treats vans in VRT Categories B and C as commercial vehicles, so a VAT-registered company can reclaim the VAT if the van is used for its taxable business. If it is partly used privately, only the business share can be claimed. Our guide to commercial vehicle VAT, capital allowances and BIK explains the rules and exceptions.

Only if it meets all of Revenue's tests. For BIK, a van must be built mainly to carry goods, weigh no more than 3,500kg, and have a roofed area behind the driver with no side windows or seating. A crew cab meeting these tests is a van; one with rear seats in the load area, or seats fitted later, is treated as a car. Check before you choose the model.

If they can use it privately, usually yes. In 2026 the taxable amount is 8% of the van's original market value after a €10,000 reduction, and Revenue says the reduction falls to €5,000 in 2027 and €2,500 in 2028. No BIK arises if the van is needed for work, only used to travel to and from work, and the employee spends at least 80% of working time away from your premises.

Yes. SEAI's EV grant is open to businesses buying new electric vans: up to €3,800 for small and medium vans, and €7,600 for large panel vans with a maximum mass of exactly 3,500kg. Price limits apply, used vans do not qualify, and the grant counts as de minimis state aid, with a limit of €300,000 over three years. The dealer usually applies the grant at the point of sale.