Irish VRT Calculator (Estimate)
Use this calculator to estimate Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) for an Irish Category A passenger car. It applies a CO₂-based VRT rate, adds NOx levy, and includes a simple EV relief model.
Important: This tool gives an estimate only. Revenue may use a different OMSP, updated rates, reliefs, surcharges, or exemptions. Always verify final values directly with Revenue/NCTS before purchasing or importing a vehicle.
What is VRT in Ireland?
Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) is a charge due when a vehicle is first registered in the State. For most passenger cars (Category A), VRT is linked to the car’s CO₂ emissions and the vehicle’s Open Market Selling Price (OMSP), which is Revenue’s assessment of what that car would sell for in Ireland.
In addition to the core VRT amount, many registrations are also affected by a NOx levy. This means the total payable at registration can be noticeably higher than expected if NOx emissions are high.
How this Irish VRT calculator works
1) Base VRT from CO₂ band
The calculator selects a VRT percentage based on your CO₂ value (WLTP), then applies that percentage to OMSP:
Base VRT = OMSP × CO₂ rate
| CO₂ (g/km) | VRT Rate |
|---|---|
| 0–50 | 7% |
| 51–80 | 9% |
| 81–90 | 9.75% |
| 91–100 | 11.25% |
| 101–110 | 12.25% |
| 111–120 | 13.5% |
| 121–130 | 15.5% |
| 131–140 | 16.75% |
| 141–155 | 19.5% |
| 156–170 | 23% |
| 171–190 | 28% |
| 191+ | 37% |
2) EV relief (simplified)
For battery electric vehicles (BEVs), this page applies a simplified relief model:
- Up to €5,000 relief when OMSP is €40,000 or less.
- Tapered relief from €40,001 to €50,000.
- No relief over €50,000 OMSP.
Policy can change over time, so this section is informational and may differ from the latest official scheme.
3) NOx levy
The calculator also estimates NOx levy using a stepped formula:
- First 60 mg/km at €5 per mg
- Next 20 mg/km at €15 per mg
- Remaining mg/km at €25 per mg
A cap is then applied (diesel vs non-diesel cap assumptions). The final estimate shown is:
Estimated Total = VRT after relief/minimum + NOx levy
Inputs you should gather before calculating
- OMSP estimate: This can differ from the price you paid abroad.
- WLTP CO₂ value: Usually from official documentation.
- NOx value (mg/km): Often found in emissions documentation.
- Fuel type: Affects NOx cap and EV logic.
Worked example
Suppose you import a petrol car with:
- OMSP: €24,000
- CO₂: 128 g/km
- NOx: 35 mg/km
At 128 g/km, the CO₂ rate is 15.5%. Base VRT is €3,720. NOx at 35 mg/km is €175 (35 × €5). Estimated total registration tax in this simplified model is approximately €3,895.
Common mistakes when estimating Irish VRT
- Using purchase price instead of OMSP.
- Using NEDC figure instead of WLTP (where WLTP is required).
- Ignoring NOx levy.
- Not checking if reliefs/exemptions apply.
- Assuming old tax tables are still current.
FAQ
Is this an official Revenue calculator?
No. It is an independent estimate tool designed for planning.
Does this include VAT, customs, delivery, and registration fees?
No. It estimates VRT and NOx levy only. Other import costs may still apply.
Can I rely on this before buying a car in the UK or elsewhere?
Use it as a screening tool, then verify with official guidance before committing to a purchase.
Why can my final charge differ from this estimate?
Differences usually come from OMSP determination, updated tax rules, relief limits, and final documentation review at registration.