Owning a car in Germany comes with responsibilities, and one of them is the motor vehicle tax (Kraftfahrzeugsteuer). Whether you’re a resident or a non-resident registering a vehicle through MyGermanCar, it’s important to understand how this tax works, how it’s calculated, and what exemptions might apply.
Who Collects Vehicle Tax in Germany?
Since 2019, the responsibility for collecting vehicle tax has rested with the customs office (Zollamt). Normally, car owners provide a SEPA direct debit mandate so the tax can be deducted from their account.
With MyGermanCar, this process is handled differently. Because the vehicle is registered under our company, we take care of the payment on your behalf. The tax is settled through our account, and you don’t have to deal with paperwork or direct payments to the customs office.
How Vehicle Tax Is Calculated
The amount depends on several factors:
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Date of first registration
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Fuel type (petrol, diesel, electric, hybrid, gas, etc.)
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Engine displacement (Hubraum)
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CO₂ emissions (measured under WLTP since 2018)
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Vehicle type and weight
Cars Registered Before 2009
Older cars are taxed mainly on engine size, fuel type, and emissions class.
Cars Registered Between 2009 and 2020
The formula combines:
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A base amount (per 100cc of engine size: €2 for petrol, €9.50 for diesel)
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Plus a charge for CO₂ emissions above the allowance (2 €/g per km)
Cars Registered From 2021 Onward
The system became progressive. Instead of a flat €2 per gram of CO₂, higher-emitting cars are taxed more steeply. For example, emissions between 95–115 g/km are taxed at €2/g, while anything above 195 g/km is taxed at €4/g.
This means the cleaner and more efficient your car, the less tax you’ll pay.
Tax Exemptions and Reductions
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Electric vehicles first registered before 31 December 2025 are exempt from tax until 2030. After that, they’re taxed at 50% of the normal rate, based on weight.
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Historic cars (30+ years old with an H plate) pay a flat annual tax: €191.73 for cars, €46.02 for motorcycles.
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Motorcycles are taxed on engine size, though small and lightweight models can be exempt.
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Trailers are taxed by weight (max €373.24 annually).
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Agricultural vehicles used exclusively for farming remain exempt.
How We Handle Payment for You
Once your car is registered with MyGermanCar, we deal directly with the customs office. The vehicle tax is debited from our company account, meaning you don’t have to manage payments yourself. We include the tax in your monthly plan so everything is streamlined and transparent.
How to Keep Costs Down
While you can’t negotiate vehicle tax, you can influence it by the type of car you choose:
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Pick a low-emission or electric car for maximum savings.
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Pay annually (we do this on your behalf) to avoid surcharges.
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Apply for exemptions if eligible under disability classifications.
At MyGermanCar, we don’t just register your car - we make sure all the taxes and obligations are handled for you. That way, you can drive confidently knowing everything is taken care of behind the scenes. You can use the official tax calculator to see how much your vehicle tax will cost annually