Main image for post: Changes to car tax

Changes to car tax

From the 1st October 2014, there was a big overhaul of the car tax system in the UK. For the first time in over 90 years, vehicle owners are no longer required to display a tax disc on their windscreen.

This doesn’t mean that the tax has been scrapped – merely that the whole system has become completely digitalised.

The main difference to you and me comes when buying or selling a car. Car tax is no longer transferred with a car but instead stays with the person that bought the tax. This means that if you are buying a car, you need to tax it before you can drive it. If you’re selling (or scrapping) a car, once the DVLA has been informed they will issue you a refund for any full months remaining on the tax.

Payment options have also changed with a new direct debit scheme introduced and a system has been put in place whereby you can check online if a car has valid tax.

If you’re buying or selling a car with Cartime, our experts can offer you advice and help when it comes to the new car taxing system to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible for you.

Our very own cartime director, Matt Kay, says: "Don't get caught up in the digitalisation - if you get done for no tax it'll be a costly mistake! Take five minutes to find and check out all your documentation. That way, you can be sure you don't owe the DVLA anything and avoid a fine!"