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Thinking of changing your car? New tax rates may apply

Vehicle tax rates changed on 1 April 2017. If you're thinking of changing your car, find out if these rates affect you.

Cartoon of cars in street with text saying "Changing your car? New vehicle tax rates apply for cars registered from 1 April 2017".

On 1 April 2017 vehicle tax rates changed.

New rates were introduced for all cars and some motorhomes first registered on or after 1 April.

If you鈥檙e thinking of changing your car, you鈥檒l need to find out if these rates affect you. You can check the vehicle tax rate to make sure you know what you need to pay.

The rates explained

The first vehicle tax rate is based on CO2 emissions.

When the first vehicle tax period has ended (this is either after 12 months or if the vehicle is sold or transferred within the first 12 months), the amount of tax that needs to be paid depends on the type of vehicle. The rates are:

  • 拢140 a year for petrol or diesel vehicles
  • 拢130 a year for alternative fuel vehicles (hybrids, bioethanol and LPG)
  • 拢0 a year for vehicles with zero CO2 emissions

Vehicles with an original list price of more than 拢40,000

If a vehicle has an original list price (the published price before any discounts) of more than 拢40,000, the rate of tax is based on CO2 for the first time it is taxed.

When the first vehicle tax period has ended (this is after 12 months or if the vehicle is sold or transferred), the rate that needs to be paid depends on the type of vehicle (petrol, diesel, alternative fuel or zero emissions) plus an additional rate of 拢310 a year for the next 5 years.

After those 5 years, the vehicle will then be taxed at one of the standard rates (拢140, 拢130, or 拢0, depending on vehicle type). These rates apply even if the vehicle changes hands within the 5 year period.

Check your vehicle tax rate now.

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Updates to this page

Published 10 July 2017
Last updated 1 August 2017 show all updates
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