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Published: 20 Mar 2026 | Last reviewed: 20 Mar 2026 | Reviewed by: VanCompare Editorial Team
“Van tax” usually means Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) (often called road tax), paid to the DVLA. What you pay depends on how your vehicle is taxed (its tax class) and, for older vehicles, engine size.
Below are the current GOV.UK rates that cover most UK vans.
VED road tax for most vans (up to 3,500kg)
Most working vans are taxed as Light goods vehicles (TC39) — registered on or after 1 March 2001 and not over 3,500kg revenue weight (maximum/gross vehicle weight).
Light goods vehicles (TC39) – current rates
- 12 months (single payment): £345
- 12 months by Direct Debit (total of 12 monthly instalments): £362.25
- 6 months (single payment): £189.75
- 6 months by Direct Debit: £181.13
Tip: Direct Debit can be cheaper for a 6-month licence, but paying monthly over a year costs more overall.
If your van was registered before 1 March 2001
For cars and light goods vehicles registered before 1 March 2001, VED is based on engine size.
Private or light goods (TC11) – current rates
- Not over 1549cc: £220 (12 months); £121 (6 months)
- Over 1549cc: £360 (12 months); £198 (6 months)
Direct Debit options and totals are also shown in the GOV.UK table.
Electric van Benefit-in-Kind (BIK): what’s current
If an employer provides a van that’s available for private use, HMRC applies a flat-rate van benefit charge (and a separate van fuel benefit if fuel is provided for private mileage).
Key HMRC figures
- 2025/26: van benefit charge £4,020; van fuel benefit £769
- 2026/27: van benefit charge £4,170; van fuel benefit £798
Electric (zero-emission) vans: HMRC’s 2025/26 P11D working sheet states the van benefit for zero-emission vans is nil for 2025/26.
Quick checks before you pay
- Use your V5C and GOV.UK to confirm the tax class and the correct rate for your exact vehicle.
- If you’re a business providing vehicles to employees, confirm whether there’s any private use (it’s what triggers the van benefit charge).
Sources
- GOV.UK — Vehicle tax rates: Other vehicle tax rates (includes Light goods vehicles TC39 + Direct Debit figures)
- GOV.UK — Vehicle tax rates: Cars and light goods vehicles registered before 1 March 2001 (engine-size bands + Direct Debit figures)
- GOV.UK / HMRC — Increase to van benefit charge and fuel benefit charges for cars and vans (2025/26 figures)
- GOV.UK / HMRC — Van benefit charge and fuel benefit charges for tax year 2026 to 2027 (2026/27 figures)
- HMRC — P11D Working Sheet 3 (2025/26) (states zero-emission van benefit is nil for 2025/26)
VanCompare Editorial Team
The VanCompare Editorial Team produces clear, practical guidance on UK van insurance and related topics. We work with FCA authorised insurance providers and use insurer information where relevant to explain cover in plain English and help drivers make informed decisions.
- Where relevant, our content is checked against publicly available UK guidance and information from sources such as the FCA and GOV.UK to help keep it accurate and up to date.
- This content is for general information only and is not financial advice.
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