Last checked against official sources on 28 September 2026.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax, financial or mechanical advice. Rules, rates and fees change, so confirm the details with the official sources listed at the end before you act. CarQnA is not affiliated with any of them.
Motor tax bands in Ireland for 2026 run from €120 a year for an electric car to €2,400 for the highest emitters. Budget 2026 made no change.
WLTP bands: registered from 2021
- 0 g/km: €120; 1 to 50: €140; 51 to 80: €150; 81 to 90: €160
- 91 to 100: €170; 101 to 110: €180; 111 to 120: €190; 121 to 130: €200
- 131 to 140: €210; 141 to 150: €270; 151 to 160: €280; 161 to 170: €420
- 171 to 190: €600; 191 to 200: €790; 201 to 225: €1,250; over 225: €2,400
NEDC bands: July 2008 to 2020
- 0 g/km: €120; 1 to 80: €170; 81 to 100: €180; 101 to 110: €190
- 111 to 120: €200; 121 to 130: €270; 131 to 140: €280; 141 to 155: €400
- 156 to 170: €600; 171 to 190: €790; 191 to 225: €1,250; over 225: €2,400
- Before July 2008: taxed by engine size; check motortax.ie.
Paying, off the road and refunds
- 6 months: 55.5% of the annual rate. 3 months: 28.25%.
- Renew at motortax.ie with your registration and PIN (last six digits of the VRC number).
- Off the road: declare 3 to 12 months in advance, in the month the tax expires. No backdating.
- Refunds: whole months left after scrapping or exporting, if at least three remain.
- Tax does not transfer with a used car: tax it before you drive.
Common questions
How much is motor tax on an electric car in Ireland?
€120 a year, the lowest band.
Is it cheaper to pay motor tax yearly?
Yes, paying quarterly all year costs 113% of the annual rate.