On 31 May 2017, Advocate General Szpunar handed down his opinion in HMRC v Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Ltd (Case C-164/16). The issue is whether the so-called agility hire purchase contracts entered into by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Ltd (‘Mercedes’) and its customers in relation to the supply of vehicles is to be treated for VAT purposes as a supply of services or as a supply of goods under article 14(2)(b) of the Principal VAT Directive. The AG’s opinion favours Mercedes’ argument, namely that it is a supply of services. If the CJEU agrees, its decision will have considerable practical implications for motor vehicle traders and asset leasing businesses.
On 31 May 2017, Advocate General Szpunar handed down his opinion in HMRC v Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Ltd (Case C-164/16). The issue is whether the so-called agility hire purchase contracts entered into by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Ltd (‘Mercedes’) and its customers in relation to the supply of vehicles is to be treated for VAT purposes as a supply of services or as a supply of goods under article 14(2)(b) of the Principal VAT Directive. The AG’s opinion favours Mercedes’ argument, namely that it is a supply of services. If the CJEU agrees, its decision will have considerable practical implications for motor vehicle traders and asset leasing businesses.