April 12, 2026 in the United Kingdom, knowing the answer to "how much is my car tax UK?" is essential for budgeting your vehicle running costs. Whether you have just bought a new car, are planning to purchase a used vehicle, or want to understand your annual VED liability, using a VED calculator helps you estimate costs accurately. This comprehensive guide covers every CO2 band, explains the rates, and helps you calculate exactly how much is my car tax UK for your specific vehicle.
Understanding Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) in the UK
Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), commonly called road tax or car tax, is an annual tax levied on all vehicles registered in the United Kingdom. The amount you pay depends primarily on your vehicle's CO2 emissions at the time of first registration. This creates a progressive system where lower-emission vehicles pay less and high-emission vehicles pay more.
The DVLA uses a banding system where each CO2 emission range corresponds to a specific annual rate. Understanding which band your vehicle falls into is the key to answering the question "how much is my car tax UK?"
The Complete VED Band Structure: How Much Is My Car Tax UK?
Here is the full 2026 VED band structure for vehicles registered after April 2017. Use this to determine how much is my car tax UK based on your vehicle's CO2 emissions figure:
How Much Is My Car Tax UK? Complete VED Band Table 2026
| CO2 (g/km) | Band | Standard Annual Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | A | £0 |
| 1-50 | B | £110 |
| 51-75 | C | £130 |
| 76-94 | D | £135 |
| 95-99 | E | £135 |
| 100-109 | E | £135 |
| 110-119 | F | £135 |
| 120-129 | G | £135 |
| 130-139 | H | £135 |
| 140-149 | I | £135 |
| 150-164 | J | £135 |
| 165-175 | K | £135 |
| 176-185 | L | £135 |
| 186-199 | M | £135 |
| 200-224 | N | £135 |
| 225-254 | O | £135 |
| 255+ | P | £585 |
First-Year Rate vs Standard Rate: How Much Is My Car Tax UK?
When answering "how much is my car tax UK?", it is important to distinguish between the first-year rate and the standard annual rate. These are different amounts applied at different stages of ownership.
First-Year Rate
The first-year rate applies only in the year the vehicle is first registered. It is calculated based on the vehicle's CO2 emissions and is typically higher than the standard rate for most bands. The first-year rate includes a small number of zero-rate bands for ultra-low emission vehicles.
For example, a vehicle with 150g/km CO2 might pay £190 in the first year but only £135 in subsequent years.
Standard Annual Rate
The standard annual rate applies from year 2 onwards and remains constant for the duration of ownership. For most vehicles emitting between 76 and 254g/km, this is £135 per year.
The Expensive Car Supplement
When calculating "how much is my car tax UK?", you must also consider the Expensive Car Supplement (ECS). Vehicles with a list price over £40,000 at first registration pay an additional £410 per year from year 2 through year 7.
This applies to all fuel types, including electric vehicles. A £50,000 electric car pays £0 in standard VED but £410 per year in ECS, for a total annual cost of £410 for years 2 through 7.
How to Find Your CO2 Figure
Your vehicle's CO2 emissions figure is essential for determining how much is my car tax UK. You can find it in three places:
- Your V5C registration certificate (logbook) — look for the "CO2 emissions" field
- The free DVLA vehicle enquiry at gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax
- Your MOT certificate
The CO2 figure is measured in grams per kilometre (g/km) and represents the vehicle's official emissions rating from its type-approval test.
Special Cases in the VED System
Pre-March 2001 Vehicles
Vehicles first registered before March 2001 use an engine-size-based system rather than CO2 bands. Vehicles over 1549cc typically pay a higher flat rate than smaller-engined vehicles. The rates are significantly lower than modern CO2-based rates.
Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Some alternative fuel vehicles (bi-fuel, natural gas, LPG) may qualify for a reduced VED rate under the old system. However, most modern hybrid and electric vehicles are taxed based on their CO2 emissions under the standard system.
Key Takeaways
To answer "how much is my car tax UK?", find your CO2 emissions figure and match it to the appropriate band. Most standard petrol and diesel vehicles pay £135 per year from year 2 onwards. Electric vehicles pay £0. High-emission vehicles (over 255g/km) pay £585 per year. Vehicles over £40,000 add £410 per year in ECS. Use our UK car tax calculator for an instant, accurate estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my car tax UK for an electric vehicle?
Electric vehicles with zero CO2 emissions pay £0 in standard VED. However, if the list price exceeds £40,000, an annual £410 Expensive Car Supplement applies from year 2 through year 7.
How much is my car tax UK for a 150g/km petrol car?
A petrol car with 150g/km CO2 typically pays £135 per year from year 2 onwards under the standard annual rate.
Does the VED rate ever change?
VED rates are reviewed annually and typically increase with inflation. Check the current rates before each renewal to ensure you have the correct amount.
Can I pay how much is my car tax UK monthly?
Yes, you can set up a 12-month Direct Debit to spread the annual cost across monthly instalments through the DVLA's online portal.
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.