Introduction: When it comes to owning a car in the UK, one of the most important things to consider is car tax. Every vehicle registered in the UK must be taxed, and it’s essential to know how much tax you need to pay and how to check if your vehicle is taxed. In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about car tax, including how to check your car tax status and the amount you need to pay.
What is car tax? Car tax, also known as vehicle tax or road tax, is a tax levied by the government on vehicles that are driven or parked on public roads in the UK. The tax revenue generated from car tax is used to fund road maintenance, construction, and other transport-related expenses.
How is car tax calculated? The amount of car tax you pay depends on various factors, such as the type of vehicle you own, the age of the vehicle, the engine size, and the CO2 emissions. The current car tax rates in the UK are as follows:
- Vehicles registered before April 1, 2017: The tax is based on engine size and is divided into 13 bands, ranging from A (up to 1000cc) to M (over 3000cc). The annual tax ranges from £0 for vehicles with zero emissions to £585 for vehicles in the highest band (M).
- Vehicles registered on or after April 1, 2017: The tax is based on CO2 emissions and is divided into three bands, with an additional charge for the first year. For example, vehicles with CO2 emissions of less than 50g/km are exempt from tax, while those emitting between 151-170g/km pay £220 in the first year and £155 thereafter.
How to check your car tax status: Checking your car tax status is easy, and there are two ways to do it:
- Online: You can check your car tax status online on the government’s website. All you need is your vehicle registration number, and you’ll be able to see if your vehicle is taxed and when it expires.
- Phone: You can also check your car tax status by phone. Call the DVLA on 0300 123 4321 and provide your vehicle registration number.
It’s essential to check your car tax status regularly to avoid driving an untaxed vehicle, which can lead to a fine.
How to pay your car tax: There are several ways to pay your car tax, including:
- Online: You can pay your car tax online on the government’s website. All you need is your vehicle registration number, and you can pay by debit or credit card.
- Direct Debit: You can set up a direct debit to pay your car tax either monthly, six-monthly, or annually.
- Post: You can also pay your car tax by post by sending a cheque or postal order to the DVLA.
It’s important to note that you must tax your vehicle before you can legally drive it on public roads.
Why use Rapid Car Check? Rapid Car Check offers a comprehensive car check service that includes car tax status. By using Rapid Car Check, you can quickly and easily check if your vehicle is taxed and when it expires. This can save you time and effort, as you won’t need to go through the government’s website or call the DVLA.
Additional Information on Car Tax:
- If you sell or buy a vehicle, the tax does not transfer with the vehicle. The seller must notify the DVLA, and the buyer must tax the vehicle
- Another factor to consider when it comes to car tax is the type of fuel your vehicle uses. Cars that use diesel or petrol fuel are taxed differently from those that run on electricity, hybrid or alternative fuels. The amount of tax you pay also depends on the vehicle’s CO2 emissions, with lower emissions resulting in a lower tax rate.
To make it easier for motorists to calculate their car tax, Rapid Car Check offers a car tax calculator tool on their website. This tool allows you to input your car’s details, including the make, model, fuel type and CO2 emissions, to calculate how much you will need to pay in car tax.
In addition to car tax, Rapid Car Check also offers a range of other vehicle checks, including a free car check, MOT history check, and a vehicle mileage check. These checks can give you peace of mind when buying a used car by providing important information about the vehicle’s history.
Overall, car tax is an important cost that all motorists must consider when purchasing and owning a vehicle. By understanding how it works and using tools like the car tax calculator from Rapid Car Check, you can plan your budget and ensure you’re paying the correct amount of tax.
