As of April 12, 2026 in the United Kingdom, one of the most common questions new and existing car owners ask is "how much is my car tax UK going to cost me each year?" The answer depends entirely on your vehicle's CO2 emissions band, with costs ranging from £0 for fully electric zero-emission vehicles to £585 per year for vehicles emitting over 255g/km of CO2. This comprehensive guide provides a VED calculator for every CO2 band so you can instantly estimate how much is my car tax UK for your specific vehicle.
Understanding How Much Is My Car Tax UK: The VED Band System
Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), commonly referred to as car tax UK, is calculated using a CO2-based band system introduced in 2017 for vehicles registered after April 2017. The system divides vehicles into bands based on their carbon dioxide emissions measured in grams per kilometre (g/km), with each band attracting a specific annual charge. The lower the CO2 emissions, the lower the annual car tax UK cost.
For vehicles registered before April 2017, the VED calculation uses a different system based on engine size, with vehicles over 1549cc paying a higher rate than smaller-engined vehicles. For most modern vehicles, the CO2 band system described in this article applies.
Complete VED Calculator by CO2 Band
Use this VED calculator to determine how much is my car tax UK for your vehicle based on its CO2 emissions band:
How Much Is My Car Tax UK? VED Calculator 2026
| CO2 Band (g/km) | Standard Annual VED | 5-Year Total | Vehicle Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero (0) | £0 | £0 | Electric vehicles |
| 1 - 50 | £110 | £550 | Plug-in hybrids |
| 51 - 75 | £130 | £650 | Mild hybrids |
| 76 - 95 | £135 | £675 | Small efficient petrol |
| 96 - 120 | £135 | £675 | Family hatchbacks |
| 121 - 140 | £135 | £675 | Family saloons/SUVs |
| 141 - 160 | £135 | £675 | Large family cars |
| 161 - 180 | £135 | £675 | Large SUVs |
| 181 - 200 | £135 | £675 | Performance hatchbacks |
| 201 - 225 | £155 | £775 | Performance saloons |
| 226 - 255 | £195 | £975 | High-performance vehicles |
| Over 255 | £585 | £2,925 | Super-cars, large SUVs |
The Expensive Car Supplement: Adding £410 Per Year
Your answer to "how much is my car tax UK" changes significantly if your vehicle has a list price exceeding £40,000. In this case, you pay an additional Expensive Car Supplement (ECS) of £410 per year from year 2 through year 6 of the vehicle's life. This is added on top of your standard VED rate.
For example, a large SUV with CO2 emissions of 175g/km (VED band: £135/year) and a list price of £48,000 pays £545 per year from year 2 onwards: £135 standard VED plus £410 ECS. Over 5 years (years 2-6), this adds £2,050 in ECS payments on top of the £675 standard VED total.
How to Find Your CO2 Emissions for the VED Calculator
To use the VED calculator above and accurately answer "how much is my car tax UK," you need your vehicle's official CO2 emissions figure. This is recorded in several places:
Your V5C Logbook
The V5C registration certificate (logbook) contains your vehicle's CO2 emissions figure in the "CO2 emissions" field. This is the definitive record of your vehicle's registered emissions.
Online DVLA Check
You can find your CO2 figure by running a free check at gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax using your vehicle registration number. The enquiry tool displays your CO2 emissions alongside your tax and MOT status.
Your Vehicle's Documentation
Your vehicle's registration document, sales brochure, manufacturer specification sheet, or the DVCO ( Dealer Certificate of Origin) for new vehicles all list the official CO2 emissions figure.
First-Year Rate vs Standard Annual Rate
When asking "how much is my car tax UK," it is important to distinguish between the first-year rate and the standard annual rate. The first-year rate applies only at the point of first registration and is calculated based on the vehicle's CO2 band. The standard annual rate applies from year 2 onwards and is the recurring annual cost you budget for each year.
For most vehicles, the first-year rate is higher than the standard annual rate. Use our UK car tax calculator to compare both first-year and standard annual estimates for your specific vehicle.
Key Takeaways
How much is my car tax UK depends on your CO2 emissions band, ranging from £0 for zero-emission vehicles to £585 for vehicles over 255g/km. Most petrol and diesel vehicles in the 76-225g/km range pay £135 per year in standard VED. Vehicles over £40,000 pay an additional £410 per year Expensive Car Supplement from year 2 through year 6. Find your CO2 figure on your V5C logbook or via the free DVLA check at gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax. Use our UK car tax calculator for an instant personalised estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find my CO2 emissions figure to use the VED calculator?
Your CO2 figure is printed on your V5C logbook and is also shown in the free DVLA check at gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax.
Does the VED calculator include the Expensive Car Supplement?
Yes, our calculator factors in the £410/year ECS for vehicles priced over £40,000 from year 2 through year 6.
Why do some cars in the same emission band pay different amounts?
Vehicles with list prices over £40,000 pay the ECS in addition to the standard VED rate for their band, making their total car tax UK cost higher.
Do electric vehicles always pay £0 in car tax UK?
Fully electric vehicles with zero CO2 emissions pay £0 in both first-year and standard annual VED. However, if the list price exceeds £40,000, the ECS still applies from year 2 through year 6.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Vehicle tax rules and VED rates may change. Always verify current information on the official GOV.UK website (gov.uk/vehicle-tax) or consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.