If you own a car in the UK, you already know you have to pay car tax. It sounds boring, but getting it right can stop surprise fines and even save you cash. Below you’ll get the basics, where to check your rate, and a few tricks to lower the amount you owe.
Car tax, officially called Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), depends on three things: the car’s age, its fuel type and its CO₂ emissions. Newer cars with low emissions are cheaper, while older diesel models often cost more. The government updates the rates each April, so the figure you saw last year might have changed.
You can see your exact rate on the DVLA website by entering your registration number. It will show the yearly amount, any extra charges for high‑emission cars, and whether you qualify for discounts like the zero‑emission exemption.
Here are three quick ways to shrink that bill:
Paying online is the easiest and fastest method. Set up a direct debit and you’ll never miss a deadline. If you’re late, the DVLA will add a fine, so keep an eye on your renewal reminder.
In short, knowing how car tax works and checking for discounts can keep more money in your pocket. Take a few minutes this week to look up your current rate and see if any of the tips above apply to you. It’s a small effort for a big payoff.
Labour's 2025 car tax reforms could spare older drivers on disability benefits or with historic vehicles from hefty tax hikes. While new petrol and diesel car buyers will pay more, especially for high-emission models, exemptions could leave some saving big instead of facing bills topping £5,000.
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