The United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) can seize a vehicle if it is connected to a border-related crime or if it is illegally brought to the UK. If that occurs with your vehicle with or without your presence, you can still appeal the seizure. By appealing the seizure, you may be able to regain possession of the vehicle. You can appeal to the UKBA directly, or you can appeal to the Tax Tribunal. This article explains how to appeal the seizure of a vehicle by the UKBA so that you know what your options are.
How to Appeal the Seizure of a Vehicle by the UKBA – Appealing to the UKBA
If you believe that your vehicle was wrongfully seized or you simply want it returned to you, you can take three different options for that. These options are outlined below. Please note that these are the options when appealing to the UKBA, which is the agency you will need to appeal to first before resorting to an appeal to the Tax Tribunal.
- You can send a notice to the UKBA explaining that the vehicle was not seized legally. A solicitor can help you determine whether there was foul play regarding the reason for the seizure or during the seizing process. In this case, you can have your vehicle returned to your possession after you win the case.
- You can appeal to the UKBA to have your vehicle restored. Thus, you must accept that the vehicle was seized legally and want it returned to your possession after the act.
- You can do both options mentioned above. Thus, the UKBA may return the vehicle to you while it determines whether the vehicle was seized legally.
How to Appeal the Seizure of a Vehicle by the UKBA – Appealing to the Tax Tribunal
If none of the aforementioned options work, you can appeal to the tax tribunal to have your seized vehicle returned. The Tax Tribunal is independent of the UK government. Therefore, it can listen to your case and the government’s case about your vehicle seized and make an appropriate decision.
You should note that the Tax Tribunal cannot determine if your vehicle was seized with good reason. However, it can help you in the following circumstances.
It can help mediate the situation when the UKBA:
- refuses to restore the seized vehicle to your possession
- claims that you must pay an amount to have your seized vehicle returned
- attempts to charge you penalties for the seizure
- provides you with a duty assessment
A lawyer can help you with the process of appealing to the Tax Tribunal when nothing else works.
Final Words
Speak to an experienced lawyer who knows the nuances of this aspect of the law. They can carefully inform you about how to appeal the seizure of a vehicle by the UKBA so that you get a favourable outcome with minimal money spent and hassle.
