Are you planning to sell your car or take it off the road for a long period? You may be wondering how to cancel your car tax and whether or not you're entitled to a refund. In this blog post, we'll answer some of the most common questions related to cancelling road tax in the UK.
How do I cancel my car tax with DVLA?
To cancel your car tax, you need to inform the DVLA that your vehicle is either off the road, sold, or transferred to someone else. You can do this online, by post, or by phone. To cancel online, visit the DVLA section of the Gov.uk website and use their online service.
You'll need your vehicle registration number, reference number from your V5C registration certificate (logbook), and the date you want to cancel your tax from. If you prefer to cancel by post or phone, you'll need to fill out a V14 form and send it to the DVLA.
Can I just cancel my car tax?
Yes, you can cancel your car tax if you're no longer using the vehicle on public roads. You'll need to inform the DVLA, though, exactly as described above.
Does car tax cancel automatically when sold?
No, car tax does not cancel automatically when you sell your car. You will need to inform the DVLA that you’ve sold your vehicle, and the buyer needs to register the vehicle in their name and pay for new tax.
How do I cancel my car tax over the phone?
To cancel your car tax over the phone, call the DVLA on 0300 790 6802. You'll need your vehicle registration number and reference number from your V5C registration certificate (logbook).
Can I cancel tax without the logbook?
No, you can't cancel tax without a logbook. You'll need the reference number from your V5C registration certificate to inform the DVLA that you want to cancel your car tax. If you have lost your logbook, don’t fret! You can order a new logbook here.
How do road tax refunds work?
If you cancel your car tax before it expires, the DVLA will issue a refund for any full months left on the tax. The refund will be calculated based on the date the DVLA received your request to cancel the tax, so make sure to do this as soon as possible!
You'll receive the refund by cheque or directly to your bank account if you paid by Direct Debit. The DVLA will automatically issue a refund if you've overpaid on your car tax due to selling or scrapping your vehicle. The refund will be sent to the registered keeper of the vehicle at the time it was sold or scrapped.
When can I get a car tax refund?
There are several circumstances where you can apply for a car tax refund:
- Selling your car - If you’re selling your car before the end of the tax period, you may be eligible for a refund on the remaining months of tax.
- Declaring your vehicle off-road (SORN) - If you declare your vehicle as off the road and apply for a Statutory Off Road Notification, you can be reimbursed on any remaining months of tax remaining.
- Car scrapped or stolen - If your car is not recoverable from theft or scrapping, you can apply for reimbursement on your remaining car tax.
It's important to note that these are the only permitted reasons for cancelling your car tax. Driving without valid tax can result in an £80 fine from the DVLA, which is reduced by half if paid within 33 days.
How do I get a car tax refund?
To receive a refund for any outstanding vehicle tax, you simply need to complete a car tax refund application form and provide the DVLA with a valid reason for canceling your road tax. The procedures for obtaining a car tax refund may vary, depending on the reason you provide.
- Selling or transferring your car: Inform the DVLA of the sale to initiate the refund process. It is important to do this promptly to avoid potential fines. Your refund cheque will be sent to you by mail, and if you have a direct debit, it will be automatically cancelled.
- Taking your car off the road: If your car is parked off the road on a private driveway, land, or garage, you can apply for a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) from the DVLA. You will receive a refund cheque from the DVLA for any remaining months of car tax you've paid.
- Scrapping your car: Follow the prescribed process for scrapping your vehicle, including using an approved facility, completing necessary paperwork, and informing the DVLA. Your car tax refund will be processed automatically.
- Exporting your car: If you take your car abroad for less than 12 months, it must still be taxed as if it were in the UK. However, if you plan to keep it abroad for over a year, it is considered a permanent export, and you can request a refund on your car tax. This requires submitting a portion of your logbook to the DVLA. Follow the DVLA's instructions for taking a vehicle out of the UK.
- Modifying your car: Certain modifications can affect your car's tax band and subsequently the tax you pay. Notify the DVLA about any changes to your car and, if applicable, complete an additional form for a potential refund. Follow the government's guidelines for changing your car's tax band.
Remember to carefully follow the specific steps provided by the DVLA for each scenario to ensure a smooth and successful car tax refund process.
Check your road tax renewal date for free
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