Free UK calculator
Car tax calculator
Get a quick planning estimate for annual Vehicle Excise Duty (VED / road tax). Exact rates depend on first registration date, CO₂ emissions, fuel type and current DVLA rules — always confirm on GOV.UK before buying or renewing.
Indicative annual tax
about £190
Typical standard-rate petrol/diesel band for post-2017 cars (CO₂-dependent in reality).
Confirm on GOV.UK tax rate tables.
How UK car tax actually works
Cars first registered on or after 1 April 2017 usually pay a first-year rate based on CO₂, then a standard annual rate. Zero-emission cars often pay nothing at the standard rate, but a higher-rate “expensive car” supplement can apply for five years if the list price was over the current threshold.
Cars registered before April 2017 are taxed mainly on CO₂ emissions from the V5C. Older systems used engine size for some vehicles. Diesel cars that do not meet certain emissions standards have historically paid more than equivalent petrol models.
This calculator deliberately uses simplified bands so you can compare scenarios. It is not a substitute for the official GOV.UK vehicle tax checker, which uses the registration number and live DVLA data.
What people usually get wrong
Assuming all EVs are free forever
Many EVs pay £0 at the standard rate, but government policy can change and expensive-car rules may still apply to high list-price models. Always check the specific registration.
Using engine size alone on a 2019 car
Post-2017 cars are driven by CO₂ and fuel type more than cubic capacity. Two 1.5-litre cars can sit in different bands.
Forgetting the first-year rate when buying new
The first year can be much higher or lower than the ongoing standard rate. Budget for both if you are buying new or nearly new.
Frequently asked questions
- Where do I find my exact tax amount?
- Use the official GOV.UK “check vehicle tax” and “pay vehicle tax” services with your registration, or read the tax band from your V5C registration document.
- Does SORN stop tax?
- If the vehicle is correctly declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) and kept off public roads, you do not pay road tax for that period. You must still insure or declare SORN as required.
- Is diesel always more expensive to tax?
- Not always. It depends on registration date, RDE2 compliance and CO₂. Check the individual car rather than assuming every diesel costs more.
- Can I transfer tax when I sell?
- No. Tax stays with the seller when a car is sold. The new keeper must tax it immediately in their name.
Related tools and guides
Estimates only. Confirm the exact Vehicle Excise Duty on GOV.UK using the registration or V5C before renewing or buying.