Driving a horse truck without a taxable benefit charge: is it possible?

Drive a two-horse truck without a taxable benefit charge? Discover the advantages of a C1 horse truck

Is it possible to drive a luxury two-horse truck without a taxable benefit charge? At Hulshof Horsetrucks, this is possible with our new generation of 3,650 kg and 4,000 kg C1 horse trucks. These vehicles combine the appearance, comfort and manoeuvrability of a traditional two-horse truck with attractive tax advantages. The key difference compared with a standard horse truck requiring a category B driving licence is that, thanks to their higher maximum authorised mass, our C1 versions can be classified as lorries for tax purposes. This means the standard percentage-based taxable benefit charge applicable to passenger cars and vans does not apply.

Why is a C1 horse truck exempt from the standard taxable benefit charge?

With a company passenger car or van, you generally face a taxable benefit charge if the vehicle is also used privately. For many vehicles, this annual charge amounts to 22% of the original list price. Different rules apply to a C1 horse truck classified as a lorry for tax purposes. The standard vehicle taxable benefit charge applies exclusively to passenger cars and vans, not to lorries. A two-horse truck with a maximum authorised mass of 3,650 kg or 4,000 kg falls into the lorry category, provided it meets the tax requirements. These vehicles are therefore not subject to the standard percentage-based vehicle taxable benefit charge. For business owners and professional riders, this can be a particularly attractive advantage, especially for luxury horse trucks with a high purchase price.

The same luxury and appearance as a two-horse truck requiring a category B licence

What makes our C1 horse trucks special is that their appearance and handling are virtually identical to the familiar two-horse trucks requiring a category B licence. So you are not driving a large, traditional lorry, but a compact and comfortable horse truck with the same practical dimensions, luxury finish and excellent driving characteristics. Our 3,650 kg and 4,000 kg versions are available on various chassis, including the Fiat Ducato, Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, MAN TGE, Volkswagen Crafter, Renault Master and Iveco Daily. Depending on the model selected and its technical specifications, we assess which version best suits your requirements. The only significant difference for the driver is that these vehicles require a category C1 or C driving licence.

No standard taxable benefit charge, and exempt from BPM too

The tax advantages of a C1 horse truck are not limited to the taxable benefit charge. If the vehicle qualifies as a lorry for tax purposes and meets the statutory configuration requirements, registration in the Netherlands is generally also exempt from BPM, the Dutch vehicle registration tax. Especially when purchasing a new, luxuriously equipped two-horse truck, this can make a substantial difference to the total investment. Our C1 horse trucks therefore offer an attractive combination of luxury, comfort and tax advantages.

More payload capacity for two horses

Alongside the tax advantages, the extra payload capacity may well be the most important practical reason to choose a C1 horse truck. Due to their own weight, many modern two-horse trucks requiring a category B licence have a relatively limited payload capacity. With two horses, passengers, saddles and other equipment, the maximum authorised mass of 3,500 kg is quickly reached. Our 3,650 kg and 4,000 kg versions offer considerably more capacity within the permitted total weight. This lets you enjoy the luxury and compact dimensions of a traditional two-horse truck, but with greater scope for safely transporting your horses and equipment.

Attractive motor vehicle tax treatment too

Since 1 July 2026, a zero rate of motor vehicle tax has applied in the Netherlands to vehicles classified as lorries for tax purposes with a maximum authorised mass below 12,000 kg. This means that our 3,650 kg and 4,000 kg C1 horse trucks, provided they meet the conditions, currently offer an attractive tax advantage in this area too. The combination of no standard vehicle taxable benefit charge, BPM exemption, favourable motor vehicle tax treatment and extra payload capacity makes these vehicles particularly attractive to business users.

Discover the C1 horse trucks from Hulshof Horsetrucks without the standard taxable benefit charge

At Hulshof Horsetrucks, we specialise in high-quality two-horse trucks that put safety, luxury and driving comfort first. With our new generation of 3,650 kg and 4,000 kg horse trucks, we offer an attractive alternative to the traditional horse truck requiring a category B licence. The same exclusive appearance and familiar driving comfort, but with more payload capacity and without the standard percentage-based vehicle taxable benefit charge. Would you like to explore the options for a business horse truck without the standard taxable benefit charge? Contact Hulshof Horsetrucks with no obligation. We will be happy to advise you on the available models, versions and vehicle classification for tax purposes.

View our current stock at www.hulshofhorsetrucks.nl.

The tax advantages mentioned apply to vehicles that qualify as lorries under Dutch tax regulations. Separate private use may have tax consequences depending on the situation.