Will My Car Tax Go Up In 2026

So, there I was, cruising down the highway in my trusty old sedan, when I glanced at the calendar on my phone. "2026, already?" I thought to myself, "That's just around the corner!" And then it hit me, like a sudden rainstorm on a sunny day, "What's going to happen to my car tax in 2026?"

Why the sudden panic?

Well, you see, I'm not one of those people who plans their taxes months in advance (I know, I know, I should). But I do like to have a rough idea of what's coming my way. And with 2026 looming like a mysterious cloud on the horizon, I figured it was high time I did some digging.

First things first, what's the current situation?

As of now, my car tax, or Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) as the government likes to call it, is based on my car's CO2 emissions. If my car's emissions are below 100g/km, I pay nothing. Above that, the tax increases with the emissions. Simple, right?

But here's the thing, the current system only applies to new cars registered after April 2017. For older cars like mine, the tax is based on the car's make and model. And that's where things start to get a bit... interesting.

So, what's changing in 2026?

Well, according to the latest government plans, the current VED system is set to be replaced by a new system in 2025. This new system will be based on real-world driving emissions, not just the lab-tested ones. And it's set to come into effect for new cars registered from 2026.

But here's the kicker, folks. The government has also hinted that they might extend this new system to cover all cars, regardless of their registration date. And that's where my little panic attack came from.

Here are all the car tax changes affecting drivers in 2025 | Autotrader

What does this mean for my car tax in 2026?

Well, if the new system does extend to all cars, then my car tax could potentially go up. Why? Because my trusty old sedan, while it's served me well, isn't exactly a eco-warrior. Its emissions are higher than the current 100g/km threshold, and under the new system, that could mean a higher tax bill.

But, and this is a big but, nothing is set in stone yet. The government is still consulting on these plans, and there's a chance that the final system could look very different from what's been proposed so far.

What can I do in the meantime?

Well, I'm not one to sit around and wait for the storm to hit. So, I've started looking into ways to reduce my car's emissions. I've been driving a bit more gently, making sure my tires are properly inflated, and even considering switching to a more fuel-efficient car in the future.

Car Tax Changes 2026: EV £50k Rule & £5,690 Shock - Pure Magazine

And you know what? Even if the new system doesn't affect me directly, it's still a good idea to start thinking about our cars' environmental impact. After all, every little bit helps, right?

So, what about you?

Have you started thinking about what the new car tax system might mean for you? Are you planning to make any changes to your driving habits or your car? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

And remember, folks, while we can't predict the future with 100% accuracy, we can certainly start preparing for it. So, let's all keep an eye on these developments and make sure our voices are heard. Because, after all, it's our roads, our cars, and our tax money.