New/Young drivers wouldn’t be expected to know the ins & outs of car/motor tax rates in Ireland. It can seem confusing as it has many levels, but understanding and getting used to what rates your car falls within is easier than you think.
Let’s take a quick look at the reasoning for car tax, how its decided, and how to get help from The AA to figure out what tax you need to pay. Ireland is a car-heavy country. With many of us dependent on our cars for getting around, our roads and motorways need maintenance. To afford to do so, the government simply imposes a motor tax.
That tax rate can vary yearly in line with the annual budget. This article is being written in mid-2023, where someone within band A can have an annual rate between €120-€200. If you’re buying an older car, different rules apply, with motor tax being based on the engine size. This is mainly down to emission data not being precise/something that wasn’t examined back then. The Department of Transport has an online portal you can use
to check your car registration. It should be noted that there are two systems used, so take the time to read through the literature, as it can get confusing. carried out. It will take you through a car’s tax history and highlight technical details, NCT history, and much more. Your tax disc highlights what date a car is taxed, too. When renewing, you might wonder if paying the annual, bi-annual or quarterly rate is best. The flat annual payment is the best value if you can afford it.