UK employees using their personal vehicles for business journeys can receive tax-free mileage payments from their employer under the HMRC Approved Mileage Allowance Payment scheme. Understanding AMAP rates and advisory fuel rates helps both employees and employers ensure they are correctly handling business mileage reimbursement.

HMRC Approved Mileage Allowance Payment (AMAP)

HMRC sets the AMAP rates that employers can pay to employees using their personal vehicles for business journeys without the employee incurring a tax liability. The rate for cars is 45 pence per mile for the first 10,000 business miles in a tax year. For miles exceeding 10,000 in a tax year, the rate reduces to 25 pence per mile. These rates are intended to cover all the costs of business mileage including fuel, depreciation, insurance, maintenance, and road tax.

Advisory Fuel Rates

Advisory fuel rates are HMRC's recommended rates for reimbursing employees for business journeys in company cars where the employer provides the fuel. These rates vary by engine size and fuel type, with petrol cars typically rated at 12 to 15 pence per mile and diesel cars at 13 to 16 pence per mile depending on engine size. Pure electric company cars are rated at 9 pence per mile for advisory fuel rate purposes.

Employers can use advisory fuel rates to repay employees for the cost of fuel used on business journeys without creating a tax liability for the employee. If the employer does not provide fuel for company cars, the AMAP rates cover fuel as part of the 45 pence per mile payment. Related: UK Company Car Allowance 2026 | UK Mileage Allowance 2026 | Employee Car Allowance 2026 | 8th Pay Commission.

Passenger Supplement

Employees who carry passengers as part of business journeys can receive an additional 5 pence per mile for each passenger. This payment is also tax-free and NIC-free within the AMAP framework, recognising the additional cost and wear on the vehicle when carrying passengers for work purposes.

Mileage Below and Above AMAP Rates

If an employer pays less than the AMAP rate, the employee can claim income tax relief on the shortfall through their self-assessment tax return. For example, if an employer pays 30 pence per mile and the AMAP rate is 45 pence, the employee can claim tax relief on the 15 pence shortfall per mile. If an employer pays more than the AMAP rate, the excess is taxable as employment income. Employers should therefore avoid paying above AMAP rates unless they are willing to report the excess as a taxable benefit.

Official Resources: Parivahan Portal | Vahan Road Tax | India GST Portal | FAME-III Scheme

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the current road tax rate for cars in India 2026?
Road tax rates in India vary by state and vehicle category. For new cars, GST is charged at 5% for EVs, 18% for hybrids under 1,200cc, and up to 28% for petrol/diesel SUVs. State road tax is charged separately and varies from Rs3,000-15,000 annually depending on the state's slab system. Check your specific state's RTO website for current rates.

Q: How do I calculate my car road tax online in India?
You can calculate your car road tax using online calculators available on state RTO portals and CarTax.online. The calculation considers your vehicle's ex-showroom price, fuel type, engine capacity, and state of registration. Road tax is payable annually or for the vehicle's lifetime depending on your state's rules.

Q: Is GST included in the road tax for new cars in India?
No — GST and road tax are separate charges. GST is a central tax charged by the vehicle manufacturer at the time of purchase. State road tax is a separate annual or one-time charge levied by your state's transport department. Both apply at the time of first registration, and annual road tax continues for subsequent years.

Q: Do electric vehicles get tax benefits in India 2026?
Yes — electric vehicles in India qualify for a reduced GST rate of 5% (down from 28% for petrol cars). Under FAME-III subsidies, EVs may also qualify for additional state-level incentives, reduced road tax, and free registration in many states. The exact benefits vary by state.

Q: What happens if I don't pay my car road tax on time?
If you don't pay road tax, your vehicle's registration can be flagged in the Vahan database, preventing renewal of fitness certificates and creating legal liability during police checks. Penalties range from Rs200-500 per day of default in most states. Road tax is a legal requirement under the Motor Vehicles Act.