DVLA urges drivers to 'come forward' for £180 car tax refund

Motorists can set vehicle tax reminders through the DVLA account and it could mean they are owed cash back from the motoring body and agency.

The DVLA has issued an urgent call to all motorists amid potential car tax refunds. Motorists can set vehicle tax reminders through the DVLA account and it could mean they are owed cash back from the motoring body and agency.

Drivers who let the DVLA know they no longer own a vehicle or have purchased one, either as a registered keeper or motor trader. Owners can benefit from automatic tax cancellations and potential refunds for any full months of remaining vehicle tax as a result.

The DVLA said: “Calling all motor traders! Tell DVLA online when you've bought or sold a vehicle and your customers will get their documents quicker – sorted." The DVLA says you can tell the DVLA when you no longer own a vehicle, or you buy a vehicle as either a registered keeper or motor trader.

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You must pay car tax when the car is first registered, based on your vehicle's CO2 emissions, and then every 6 or 12 months at a different rate. For petrol or diesel cars registered after April 2017, tax renewal costs £180 per year, and much more for high-value cars. You can find car tax rates on gov.uk.

Use this service to change the registered keeper of a vehicle or send a log book to the new keeper. After you tell DVLA, your vehicle tax will be cancelled. You’ll get a refund for any full months of remaining vehicle tax. If you do not have a log book then you must write to DVLA with your name and address.

You must also attach the vehicle registration number, the make and model, the exact date of sale and the name and address of the new keeper or motor trader. You can contact the DVLA via DVLA Swansea at post code SA99 1BA, the motoring body says.

Before you start you cannot use this service if you’ve already sent your log book (V5C) by post. This service is available from 7am to 7pm. You must tax a vehicle you’ve bought before you drive it, or declare it off the road (a SORN).

The tax is not transferred to you when you buy the vehicle.