Is a cherished plate an investment for an LTD?

[PinkPoshRat]

I have a sneaking suspicion that the plate will always belong to the DVLA. I'm pretty sure (90%) that DVLA can demand the plate back at any time.

I think this is a bit like those 0800 numbers. Lombard Direct tried to sue BT over the number they were renting but lost as these 'unique identifying references' eg number plates/telephone numbers are not the property of the customer.

[BolshieBastard]

Nope - see Car benefits: accessories - personalised car number plates

It's one of those anomalies you learn about at tax school!

PUMA

I dont give a toss one way or the other but hasnt the OP used Ltd company funds for a registration then, put that registration onto his personal car not the Ltd company's car?

Doesnt this "There is no bar to assessing a benefit if the employer pays for the re-registration of the director's own car" mean that where a company or employer pays for a registration plate on a non company car, HMRC can assess an BIK on the cost of the registration?

[BolshieBastard]

I have a sneaking suspicion that the plate will always belong to the DVLA. I'm pretty sure (90%) that DVLA can demand the plate back at any time.

I think this is a bit like those 0800 numbers. Lombard Direct tried to sue BT over the number they were renting but lost as these 'unique identifying references' eg number plates/telephone numbers are not the property of the customer.

Not quite correct. Yes, DVLA ultimately hold the right to the registration mark and you only have title to it so long as you continue to meet certain conditions ie registration is on a vehicle with a (required) current MOT, or you renew the retention certificate on the renewal date or you dont alter the spacing and shape of characters to make the registration look different etc.

DVLA cannot just 'take back' the registration if and when they please. You have to break the T&C's before they can do this.