VRT Calculator

What is Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) in Ireland?

Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) in Ireland is a tax that people must pay when registering a vehicle for the first time in the country. This tax applies to both new and used cars, whether they come from within the European Union or outside of it.

The amount of VRT depends on several things, including the car’s age, engine size, fuel type, and CO2 emissions. The tax is higher for cars with larger engines and higher emissions, which helps encourage people to choose more environmentally friendly vehicles.

The purpose of VRT is to make sure vehicles contribute to the costs of maintaining the country’s roads and to support Ireland’s efforts to reduce pollution. Older vehicles often have higher VRT because they tend to be less fuel-efficient and produce more emissions. The type of fuel the car uses also affects the VRT amount, with electric and hybrid cars benefiting from lower taxes.

Cars that produce more CO2 emissions are taxed more heavily, while greener cars are encouraged. This system helps Ireland promote cleaner transportation options and reduce the overall environmental impact of vehicles on the road.

How CO2 Emissions Affect Your VRT Calculation?

CO2 emissions directly affect the Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) in Ireland. The Irish government uses the amount of CO2 a car produces to decide how much tax a vehicle will face. Cars that emit more CO2 are taxed higher, while cars with lower emissions have a lower tax. This system encourages people to choose cars that are better for the environment. For example, if a car produces a lot of CO2, its VRT will be higher, but a car with lower emissions will have a lower VRT.

Electric and low-emission cars get special benefits. These vehicles don’t produce much or any CO2, so they pay less VRT or none at all. The government wants to promote these kinds of cars to help protect the environment and reduce pollution. Choosing electric or hybrid cars not only lowers your VRT but also supports Ireland’s goal to reduce its carbon footprint and encourage cleaner transportation.

VRT Relief for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

In Ireland, electric and hybrid cars can get special Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) relief to make them more affordable. The government offers this relief to encourage people to choose cars that are better for the environment. By lowering the registration cost, it becomes easier for drivers to buy eco-friendly cars that help reduce pollution.

To get VRT relief, electric and hybrid cars must meet certain conditions. Electric cars (EVs) don’t produce any CO2 emissions, while hybrid cars must have low emissions to qualify for lower taxes. Some electric cars can even be fully exempt from VRT. The amount of money saved depends on the car’s emissions, but it can be a big difference, often saving buyers thousands of euros. This relief makes it more affordable for people to choose greener vehicles and supports Ireland’s goal to reduce carbon emissions.

How to Calculate VRT on a UK Import?

When you import a car from the UK or EU to Ireland, you need to register it and pay Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT). The VRT depends on the car's age, engine size, fuel type, and CO2 emissions. If you're importing from the UK, you may have to pay extra charges because of Brexit, like customs duty and VAT, if the vehicle is coming from outside the EU.

To calculate the VRT for a UK import, you need to know the car’s CO2 emissions and how old it is. Cars with higher emissions will have higher VRT. You also need to know the car's value, which the Irish authorities will use to figure out the tax. If you’re bringing in a car from outside the EU, like from the UK after Brexit, you may also have to pay customs duty and VAT. Customs duty is based on the value of the car, and VAT is charged at 23% of the car's cost, including customs duty.

Once you have all the costs worked out, you can register the car with the Irish authorities. You’ll need to provide documents like the car’s purchase receipt, a certificate of conformity, and proof of identity and address in Ireland. After you finish the registration process, you'll get a Certificate of VRT, and then you can legally drive your car in Ireland.

VRT Registration Process in Ireland

Before starting, make sure you have all the necessary documents. These include the car’s purchase receipt, the car’s certificate that shows it meets European standards, proof of your identity, and proof of your address in Ireland. If you’re importing the car from outside the EU, you may need extra documents, like proof that you paid customs duties.

You’ll need to book an appointment at the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) center. You can easily do this online through the NCTS website. The appointment is when your car will be checked to make sure everything is in order for the registration.

At the NCTS appointment, bring your documents and the car. They will inspect the vehicle, checking things like its emissions and vehicle details. This is to help calculate how much VRT you need to pay.

Once your car has been inspected, you’ll be given the VRT amount. You will need to pay this at the NCTS center, and you can pay using a debit or credit card. If your car qualifies for any discounts (like for electric or low-emission cars), the VRT amount will be reduced.

After paying the VRT, you’ll get a Certificate of VRT. Then, you can go ahead and register your car with the Irish Department of Transport. You will receive an official vehicle registration number that needs to be displayed on your car's license plates.

Once you have your registration number, your car is fully registered, and you’re ready to drive it on Irish roads. Make sure to keep your registration documents in the car, and display your number plates correctly.

VRT Refund for Exported Vehicles

If you are exporting a vehicle from Ireland, you may be eligible for a VRT refund through the VRT Export Repayment Scheme. This scheme allows you to get back some or all of the Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) you paid when you first registered the car, as long as the vehicle is being exported out of Ireland permanently.

Eligibility: To qualify for the VRT refund, you must prove that the vehicle is leaving Ireland for good. The car must be exported to a country outside the European Union (EU). You must also be the original owner of the vehicle and not using it for business purposes in Ireland. The export must happen within a few months after you paid the VRT.

How to Claim the Refund: To start the process, you need to fill out an application for the VRT refund. This can be done online through the Revenue Commissioners' website. You’ll need to complete the "VRT Export Refund Claim" form. Once you submit the form, you must show proof that the vehicle has been exported. This could be a document like a bill of lading or an export declaration, showing the car has left Ireland.

Required Documents: When applying for the refund, you’ll need to provide the following:

• The car’s original registration certificate.
• Proof that the car has been exported, like a shipping or export document.
• A copy of your ID and proof of your address.
• Any records of customs or shipping, if relevant.

Once Revenue Commissioners review your application and confirm the vehicle has been exported, they will process your refund. The refund amount will depend on how much VRT you paid and whether the car meets all the conditions. You should receive the refund within a few weeks if everything is in order.

This scheme makes it easier and cheaper for people to export vehicles from Ireland. Make sure to follow the rules and provide all necessary documents for a smooth refund process.

VRT Calculator – FAQs

How to calculate VRT in Ireland?

Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) in Ireland is calculated based on CO₂ emissions, engine type, vehicle age, and the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP).

What is VRT by Reg?

VRT by Reg allows you to calculate Vehicle Registration Tax using the motor registration number. This method helps in quick tax calculations.

How do I check my VRT payment?

You can check your VRT details on the Revenue VRT website using your vehicle's registration details.

What is the VRT on electric cars in Ireland?

Electric cars get VRT relief in Ireland. In most cases, electric vehicles (EVs) are eligible for a VRT rebate of up to €5,000.

How to calculate VRT on a UK import?

If you're importing a car from the UK, use our VRT Calculator and enter OMSP, CO2 emissions, and engine size. You may also need to pay customs duty, VAT and the final amount, net of VAT.

How do I find the statistical code for VRT?

The statistical code for VRT can be found in the Revenue VRT database. It is required when registering your vehicle in Ireland.

What happens if I don’t pay VRT in Ireland?

If you fail to pay VRT within 30 days of importing your vehicle, you may face penalties, fines, or even vehicle seizure by Irish authorities.

Can I get a refund if I export my car from Ireland?

Yes, Ireland offers a VRT Export Repayment Scheme. You can claim a refund if you permanently export your vehicle and meet eligibility criteria.

Is this VRT calculator accurate?

Yes, our VRT calculator is designed specifically for Ireland and provides accurate tax calculations based on the latest Revenue rules.

When do I need to pay VRT in Ireland?

You must pay VRT within 30 days of your vehicle’s arrival in Ireland to avoid penalties and additional charges.

Why is the ROS VRT calculator not working?

The ROS and Revenue.ie VRT calculators may not work due to outdated data or system updates by Revenue Ireland.

Conclusion:

We offers a comprehensive Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) Calculator tailored for individuals in Ireland and the United Kingdom. This user-friendly, web-based tool allows users to estimate the VRT for various vehicle categories, including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and motorcycles.

By inputting specific details such as the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP), CO₂ emissions, fuel type, engine size, and vehicle age, users can obtain accurate tax estimations. The site emphasizes the importance of understanding that VRT calculations are influenced by multiple factors and advises users to stay updated with the latest VRT rates for 2025.

In addition to the primary calculator, we provides specialized tools like the NOx Emission Calculator, OMSP Calculator, and Motorcycle VRT Calculator, catering to diverse user needs. Also use insights into the VRT registration process, highlighting the necessity of booking inspections at NCTS centers and being aware of potential additional charges such as customs duty and VAT, especially when importing vehicles from outside the EU.