Car Tax Calculator: How Much is My Road Tax?

Frequently Asked Questions

What tax band is my car?

A car tax band is a classification system determining the amount of vehicle excise duty (VED) you must pay. The band is typically based on factors like your vehicle’s CO2 emissions, engine size, fuel type, and registration date. For cars registered after March 2001, tax bands are primarily determined by CO2 emissions, while older vehicles are taxed based on engine size. Verify your vehicle tax band with our Free Car Data Check.

How is vehicle tax calculated?

Rate of tax is calculated based on your vehicle’s CO2 emissions, fuel type, and engine size. For newer cars, tax depends on emissions for the first year, with a standard rate afterwards. Older cars are taxed by engine size, with higher rates for engines over 1549cc. These factors ensure tax rates align with vehicle characteristics.

Is my car taxed already?

Check vehicle details and road tax status instantly. Run a UK car check by reg for a free tax and MOT report.

How do I pay car tax?

The DVLA Subject Access Request allows drivers to view DVLA’s personal information about them. The service is free but must verify your identity to view driver details.

Do I save fees by paying road tax monthly or annually?

Paying road tax monthly incurs additional fees compared to paying annually. The DVLA adds a surcharge to monthly or biannual payments to cover administrative costs, making the annual payment option more cost-effective overall. Use our free DVLA check service.

Is my road tax and MOT due at the same time?

No, vehicle tax and MOT renewal dates are not automatically aligned. The MOT is typically due annually based on the date of the vehicle’s first registration or previous test, while road tax is renewed based on the date of its last payment. See our notes on UK MOT Checks.

What is VED?

VED, or Vehicle Excise Duty, is the official term for car tax in the UK.

What is the additional road tax rate on vehicles over £40,000?

Vehicles with an original list price over £40,000 are subject to an additional road tax rate of £335 annually for five years after the first tax payment. This charge applies regardless of fuel type or emissions, and after five years, the standard tax rate based on the vehicle’s emissions and fuel type resumes.

How to check my car for additional tax rate charges?

Use our online service to check if your car incurs additional tax rate charges. Enter your vehicle’s registration number to view its tax band and applicable supplements, such as the £335 annual charge for cars over £40,000. For confirmation, refer to the vehicle’s V5C logbook. Visit this page to check vehicle registration.

Was your vehicle registered after April 2017?

If your vehicle was registered on or after April 1, 2017, the first-year tax is based on its CO2 emissions and applies to most cars, motorcycles, and vans. Diesel vehicles not meeting RDE2 standards face a higher first-year rate. After the first year, the annual tax rate depends on the vehicle’s fuel type (petrol, diesel, electric, or hybrid). Vehicles with an original list price over £40,000 incur an additional annual charge of £335 five years after the first year.

Is Your Vehicle Registered Between 1st March 2001 and 31st March 2017?

Vehicles registered between March 1, 2001, and March 31, 2017, are taxed based on fuel type and carbon dioxide emissions. You can check your CO2 data in the V5C logbook or via this website.

Is your vehicle registered before 1st March 2001?

Vehicles registered before 1st March 2001 are taxed based on their engine size. The rate differs depending on whether the engine size is above or below 1549cc. To confirm your vehicle’s engine size, you can use a free car check service for accurate details.

What are the vehicle classification VED changes for 2025?

From April 1, 2025, electric vehicles (EVs) will no longer be exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) in the UK. Newly registered EVs will incur a £10 first-year tax, with an annual rate of £195 from the second year. Additionally, EVs with an original list price exceeding £40,000 will face an extra £335 charge annually for five years, starting in year two. Unlike traditional vehicles, VED for EVs is not based on CO2 emission figures, as EVs produce none during operation. Instead, a flat rate applies to align them with other vehicle categories.

Does the cost of car tax change every year?

Yes, road tax rates can change annually, often adjusted during the UK government’s budget announcements. Changes may reflect inflation, environmental policies, or updates to vehicle classifications, such as CO2 emission thresholds or fuel type categories. Always check the latest rates to ensure accurate payments.

To SORN my car, do I need to cancel tax and apply for a refund?

Declaring a SORN automatically cancels your road tax, and unused full months are refunded without needing to apply.

Is there a motorbike road tax calculator?

Yes, motorbike road tax can be calculated using our road tax calculator. Enter your motorcycle registration number to find the exact tax cost.