Car Tax Guide

Author Name – Jack Underwood

    8 people

In this article, we take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions around car tax. Find out everything you need to know with this easy guide. 

tax my car

What documents do I need to tax my car?

If you looking to tax your vehicle online, you will need your vehicle log book (V5C). The vehicle log book will need to be registered in your name. If the vehicle is not yet registered in your name, you will need the green V5C/2 ‘new keeper’ document from the logbook. If you have received a V11 form or Last Chance letter from the DVLA, you will also need this when applying to tax your vehicle.

Car Tax Checker

Is it better to pay VED in one go or every six months?

Vehicle Excise Duty (commonly known as either car tax, road tax or vehicle tax) can be paid by direct debit, either monthly, yearly or every six months. If you no longer own your vehicle or it’s declared SORN, you will be able to get a refund for any full months of remaining tax. If you SORN your vehicle, this is where you can declare your car off-road and you will no longer need to pay road tax. There is a surcharge of 5% if you decide to pay your tax either monthly or every 6-months. There is no surcharge if you decide to pay your tax annually. If you are looking to purchase your car tax at the cheapest rate, it would be advisable to purchase it annually.

Are there any car taxes that can be avoided?

You don’t pay annual road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) if your car is a new electric or hydrogen-powered or a classic car over 40 years old (free to tax, free from congestion charges and MOT exempt). If you are a driver with a disability you may also be exempt from paying car tax.

How long does it take to get a road tax refund?

You will need to wait for the DVLA to process your refund. If you have not received your refund after eight weeks, you should contact the DVLA. You will receive your refund by cheque.

Can you tax a car without insurance?

No, you cannot tax a car if it does not have valid car insurance. It is illegal to drive your vehicle without valid car insurance.

Can I tax my car without a logbook (VC5)?

No, you cannot tax your vehicle without your logbook. You can apply for a new logbook (VC5) online and this will cost £25.

How much is road tax and is it going up?

The price of road tax depends on when your vehicle was registered. If your vehicle was registered before 1st March 2001, your vehicle tax will be based on your vehicle size. If your vehicle is registered between 1st March 2001 and 31st March 2017, the price will be dependent on your fuel type and CO2 emissions. If your car was registered on or after 1st April 2017, you will need to pay for 12 months of road tax cover based on the vehicle’s CO2 emissions from when the vehicle was first registered. After these 12 months have passed, you will then pay a standard rate depending on your vehicle type. Road tax will be increased from April 2022 in line with the Retail Prices Index (RPI).

Car Tax Calculator

Are any cars exempt from tax?

There are certain vehicles that are exempt from paying road tax. If you are a driver with a disability you can apply for free vehicle tax. If you own a classic car that is over 40 years old, this is also exempt. There will also be no tax payments if you own a new electric or hydrogen-powered car.

How is road tax monitored?

ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras are used to monitor untaxed vehicles. Once your number plate is recognised, this cross-references with data held by the police and the DVLA.

How to cancel car tax?

If need to contact the DVLA if you are wanting to cancel your car tax. If you are wanting to know more about how to cancel car tax, please read the following article: Cancelling car tax.

Did you enjoy this blog post? |
8 people found this review helpful
Autogreen tyres
Avon tyres
Bridgestone tyres
Continental tyres
Dunlop tyres
Goodyear tyres
Hankook tyres
Michelin tyres
Pirelli tyres
Sailun tyres