A van donated by the French Rotary Club 'Villeneuve Loubet Baie des Anges' near Nice, to the Fundação Irene Rolo in Tavira offically has been handed over.
An earlier report indicated that Portugal’s Tax Authority had demanded a customs duty of €8,000, a position that has not changed with the government refusing to enter into any conversation regarding the amount.
(See: 'Customs Authority demands €8,000 for van donated to Tavira charity.')
The 2007, 9-seater van with a wheelchair lifting platform at the rear will held the disabled in the Tavira area and was handed over at a ceremony last week with the local Rotary Club of Tavira agreeing to help raise the additional €8,000 required by the State for the van to be used legally on Portugal’s roads.
The Tavira-based charity is registered as a Private Social Solidarity Institution (IPSS) in the Algarve and received a similar donation a year ago when it also was "forced to pay a substantial amount in taxes” - green tax, VAT and customs duties.
The charity’s aims are “to support people with disabilities and incapacities and their families and other vulnerable groups in the prevention, care, rehabilitation, vocational training and social inclusion, with a view to promoting their quality of life.”
"The amount paid in taxes associated with the two donated vans amounts to €30,000. This situation severely penalises institutions that have no alternative for the transport of wheelchair users. This situation has been explained to the government which so far has failed to respond,” explained a charity spokesman.
Taxes aside, the new vehicle is very welcome, as it will "address the needs of the Foundation with regard to transporting its users and will contribute to a quality service for the benefit of people with disabilities.”
Yet again the Rotarians have stepped in to help, ensuring that the gift from France can be used in Portugal by funding the €8,000 demanded by the government despite the vehicle being used exclusively for charitable purposes and saving the State money by caring for the disabled and handicapped.
