On May 1, 2026, new HMRC VAT rates for road fuel scale charges went into effect, which will significantly impact thousands of drivers across the UK. These changes will remain in place until April 30, 2027, and they are poised to alter how businesses account for vehicle fuel consumption.
Key details:
- For vehicles emitting less than 120g of CO2 per kilometre, the VAT-inclusive charge is set at £657 for a twelve-month period.
- The charge increases incrementally, with each additional band of CO2 emissions (in intervals of 5g/km) leading to higher costs; vehicles emitting 225g/km or more will incur a charge of £2,297.
- Drivers have various options regarding VAT recovery: they can fully recover VAT, not recover any at all, or track their mileage to partially recover it based on business use.
HMRC updates these VAT rates annually, reflecting changes in fuel pricing and environmental considerations. Notably, vehicles without a specified CO2 emissions figure will have their CO2 band determined based on engine size; those with engines of 1,400cc or less fall under the 140g/km band while those between 1,400cc and 2,000cc are categorized under the 175g/km band.
As these changes unfold, observers note that drivers are being urged to familiarize themselves with the new rates to mitigate potential financial impacts. A spokesperson from HMRC emphasized that “drivers should work out how much of the accounting period is used for and record it as a percentage of the accounting period.” This guidance suggests the complexity involved in managing business vehicle fuel consumption under the new regulations.
The implications of these adjustments could be substantial for many drivers who rely on business vehicles. While some may benefit from more favorable VAT recovery options due to lower emissions bands, others may face increased costs that could affect their operational budgets.