How do I find my car's CO2 emissions for tax purposes?

You can find your car's CO2 emissions figure on its V5C registration document (log book). It is usually listed in grams per kilometre (g/km). Alternatively, check your car's manufacturer's official specifications or the energy performance certificate for cars registered after August 2017.

Does car tax automatically renew?

No, car tax (VED) does not automatically renew. You must actively tax your vehicle online, by phone, or at a Post Office. You will receive a reminder, but it is your responsibility to ensure it is taxed before the expiry date.

How do I tax a car I just purchased?

When you purchase a car, you will need to tax it. If you buy from a dealer, they may handle the initial registration and taxing. If buying privately, you can tax it online, by phone, or at a Post Office using the 11-digit reference number from the new keeper supplement (V5C/2) or the full V5C document.

Are electric cars taxed by CO2?

Currently, electric cars emit 0g/km of CO2, meaning they are exempt from paying Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) under the existing system. However, from April 2025, all new cars, including zero-emission vehicles, will be subject to the standard rate of VED.

What if my car's CO2 emissions are not listed?

If your car was first registered before 1 March 2001, it may not have a CO2 emissions figure. In such cases, car tax is typically based on engine size rather than CO2. For newer vehicles, always check the V5C document or manufacturer details; if still unsure, contact the DVLA.

What is the 'expensive car' supplement for car tax?

The 'expensive car' supplement is an additional annual charge for cars with a list price of over £40,000 when new. This supplement applies from the second year of the car's registration until it is five years old, in addition to the standard VED rate.

How does disability affect car tax rates?

If you receive a qualifying disability benefit, such as PIP at the higher rate for mobility, you may be exempt from paying car tax or eligible for a 50% reduction if your vehicle is not zero-emission. This is known as disability car tax.

Car Tax Rates by CO2 Emissions Explained

How CO2 Emissions Determine Your Car Tax

The rate of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), commonly known as car tax, for most vehicles registered after a certain date is determined by their CO2 emissions. This system was introduced to incentivise the purchase of lower-emission vehicles, making them cheaper to tax. Understanding your car's CO2 output is therefore fundamental to knowing how much tax you will pay.

For cars first registered between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2025, the system is split into two parts: the First Year Rate and the standard rate thereafter. The First Year Rate is solely based on CO2 emissions, with higher emissions meaning a significantly higher tax bill in the first year. From the second year onwards, a flat rate applies, but this can differ based on whether the car is zero-emission or has a list price above a certain threshold.

Vehicles registered before 1 April 2017 are taxed differently, typically based on CO2 emissions bands that have remained relatively stable, or in some older cases, purely on engine size. The focus on CO2 is most pronounced for modern vehicles, reflecting a broader push towards environmental consideration in motoring policy.

VED for most cars is linked to CO2 emissions.
First Year Rate is heavily dependent on CO2.
Post-first year tax has different rules for newer cars.
Pre-2017 cars may use older tax bands.
Check your car's V5C or manufacturer specs for CO2 figures.

Checking Your Vehicle's CO2 Emissions

Accurately identifying your car's CO2 emissions is the first step in understanding your car tax. You can find this crucial piece of information in several places. The most reliable source is usually your car's V5C registration document, also known as the log book. Look for the section detailing CO2 emissions in grams per kilometre (g/km).

If you do not have your V5C readily available, the manufacturer's specification sheet for your specific model and trim level will also contain this data. Many car manufacturers provide this information on their official websites, accessible by searching for your car's model and year. Alternatively, if you are buying a car, this figure should be clearly stated in the sales documentation or on the vehicle's window sticker.

For vehicles first registered after 1 August 2017, the CO2 figure is also displayed on the vehicle's energy performance certificate.

Verify the CO2 figure provided with the vehicle's exact specification. Different trims or optional extras on the same model can sometimes lead to slight variations in official CO2 emissions, impacting your tax band.

How CO2 Bands Affect Different Car Registrations

The way CO2 emissions translate into car tax bands differs significantly depending on when your vehicle was first registered. This segmentation is key to understanding why two seemingly similar cars might have different tax rates.

Cars Registered Between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2025

For vehicles in this bracket, the First Year Rate (FYR) is directly tied to CO2 emissions. Cars emitting 0g/km pay £0 FYR. The rates then increase incrementally for higher emissions, with bands covering specific g/km ranges. For example, cars emitting between 1-50g/km would fall into one band, 51-75g/km into another, and so on, each with a corresponding tax charge. After the first year, a standard annual rate applies, with an additional charge for cars over £40,000 list price.

Cars Registered Before 1 April 2017

Vehicles registered before this date are taxed under older, CO2-based VED systems that are often simpler. These systems typically used fixed CO2 bands with specific tax amounts for each band, generally less granular than the current FYR system. For example, a car emitting up to 100g/km might pay a certain amount, while one emitting 101-110g/km pays more. However, many older cars (registered before 1 March 2001) are taxed based purely on engine size, with rates for petrol engines above 1500cc and diesel engines above 1500cc having specific higher rates.

Electric and Zero-Emission Vehicles

Currently, electric vehicles (EVs) and other zero-emission cars (0g/km CO2) pay £0 VED in the first year and continue to be exempt from the standard rate thereafter. This policy is a primary driver for EV adoption. However, as mentioned, future changes are planned, which will see all new cars, including zero-emission models, subject to the standard rate from April 2025.

Estimating Your Car Tax Based on CO2

To estimate your car tax, you first need your vehicle's CO2 emissions figure in g/km. Once you have this, you can check the relevant government guidelines or online car tax calculators. The specific tax rate will depend on the registration date of your vehicle.

Registration Date	Primary Tax Factor	Key Consideration
Before 1 April 2017	CO2 emissions (or engine size for very old cars)	Rates vary by band/engine size. Check GOV.UK for specific tables.
1 April 2017 - 31 March 2025	CO2 emissions (First Year Rate) then flat rate	Higher CO2 means higher First Year Rate. Standard rate applies from Year 2, plus supplement for cars over £40k list price.
From 1 April 2025	CO2 emissions (all new cars)	All new cars, including EVs, will pay standard VED. Rates to be confirmed.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official GOV.UK website. They provide detailed tables and a car tax calculator that uses your vehicle registration number to confirm the exact amount due.

The precise CO2 figure is the anchor for your vehicle tax calculation, especially for newer vehicles.

It is crucial to use the correct CO2 figure. An incorrect figure, perhaps from a generic online search for a model rather than your specific car's details, could lead to an inaccurate estimate. Always cross-reference with your V5C or official manufacturer documentation.

Special Considerations: Disability and Alternative Taxes

The standard car tax rates based on CO2 emissions do not apply to all drivers. If you or a member of your household receives a qualifying disability benefit, you may be eligible for a reduction or exemption from VED. This is known as 'disability car tax' or the 'vehicles for disabled persons' tax refund scheme.

To qualify, you typically need to be receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) at the higher rate for mobility, or the Armed Forces Independence Payment. You can apply to either be exempt from paying car tax altogether or receive a 50% reduction if your vehicle is not a zero-emission vehicle. The exemption is for one vehicle. If you are not eligible for exemption, you might still be able to claim a refund for car tax paid if your circumstances change and you become eligible.

Beyond standard VED, other forms of road taxation exist, such as the Congestion Charge in London or Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges, which are separate from VED and focus on emissions or vehicle type in specific geographical areas. These are not directly linked to VED rates but are part of the broader cost of motoring, especially in urban centres.

The concept of 'vehicle mile tax' or 'road usage charging' is also discussed as a potential future taxation model, where drivers would pay based on the distance they travel rather than vehicle emissions or ownership. This is a longer-term prospect and not currently implemented as a replacement for VED.

Navigating New Car Tax Changes

The landscape of car taxation is not static; it evolves to meet policy objectives, such as encouraging lower emissions or generating revenue. For motorists, staying informed about potential new car tax levels and changes is vital for financial planning and making informed purchasing decisions.

The most recent significant changes impacted vehicles registered from April 2017, introducing the tiered First Year Rate and a subsequent standard rate, along with the £40,000 supplement. Looking ahead, the government has indicated plans to introduce new tax rules for all vehicles from April 2025. This includes taxing zero-emission cars, meaning that the current tax exemption for electric vehicles will end. The specific rates and bands for this new system are yet to be fully detailed, but it signals a move towards a more uniform approach to vehicle taxation regardless of powertrain.

Plan your vehicle purchase considering future tax implications. If buying a car just before a tax change, research how it will be taxed under the new regime to avoid unexpected costs.

Understanding these shifts allows you to make choices that align with both your budget and environmental considerations. For instance, if you are considering an electric vehicle, be aware that while currently tax-free, it will incur VED from a certain point. This information is crucial for long-term cost-of-ownership calculations.