The example in the calculator
A 2012 family hatchback with 150 g/km on its V5C. 141–150 g/km is band F, so the tax is £225 for 12 months.
| How you pay | Cost |
|---|---|
| 12 months, one payment | £225 |
| 6 months, one payment | £123.75 |
| Direct Debit, 12 monthly payments | £19.69 a month (£236.25 a year) |
All the bands (12-month rate from 1 April 2026)
| Band | CO2 g/km | 12 months | 6 months |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 0–100 | £20 | — |
| B | 101–110 | £20 | — |
| C | 111–120 | £35 | — |
| D | 121–130 | £170 | £93.50 |
| E | 131–140 | £200 | £110.00 |
| F | 141–150 | £225 | £123.75 |
| G | 151–165 | £275 | £151.25 |
| H | 166–175 | £325 | £178.75 |
| I | 176–185 | £360 | £198.00 |
| J | 186–200 | £410 | £225.50 |
| K | 201–225 | £445 | £244.75 |
| L | 226–255 | £760 | £418.00 |
| M | Over 255 | £790 | £434.50 |
Bands A–C cannot be paid for six months. Electric cars registered in this period are in band A (£20).
Where do I find my CO2 figure?
It is printed on your V5C logbook, in section 4.6 (“CO2”). You can also check it free on the GOV.UK “Check vehicle tax” service using your number plate.
A special case: big engines registered before 23 March 2006
Cars over 225 g/km first registered before 23 March 2006 stay in band K (£445) instead of moving to L or M. Tick the box in the calculator if this is your car.
Even older cars
- Before 1 March 2001: tax is based on engine size — £230 up to 1,549cc, £375 above.
- Built before 1 January 1986: you can apply for the historic vehicle tax class, which is free.
Friendly reminders
- You still need to tax a band A or B car, even when it costs £20.
- Not using the car? Make a SORN and you pay nothing — but it must stay off the road.
- Rates will rise with RPI from 1 April 2027 (confirmed in the 28 October 2026 Budget); the new table is not out yet.
Why are some older cars so cheap to tax?
When these bands were set, the idea was to reward cars with lower CO2. Small diesels and early hybrids from this period, such as many Toyota Prius models, often sit in band A at £20. That makes a well-kept 2010–2016 car a budget-friendly choice for car tax — though fuel, insurance and repairs still matter. If your car is in band A or B and you pay £20 a year, a single 12-month payment is the only option.
FAQ
How much is car tax for a 150 g/km car registered in 2012?
It is in band F: £225 for 12 months, £123.75 for 6 months or £19.69 a month by Direct Debit.
Which bands pay the least?
Bands A and B (up to 110 g/km) pay £20 a year; band C (111–120 g/km) pays £35.
What is the top band?
Band M, over 255 g/km, at £790 a year — unless the car was registered before 23 March 2006, when it stays in band K at £445.
Sources: DVLA “Rates of vehicle tax” V149, rates from 1 April 2026 (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk); GOV.UK Vehicle tax rate tables; Deloitte Budget 2026 VED summary (RPI uprating from 1 April 2027). Model data: manufacturer UK price lists as listed above. Checked 5 November 2026.