Estimate VRT for an imported vehicle
Use this quick tool to estimate Irish Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT), including a NOx levy estimate. Final figures are always confirmed by Revenue/NCTS at registration.
What this VRT Ireland calculator helps you do
If you are importing a car into Ireland, your biggest unknown is usually the final tax bill. This page gives you a practical VRT estimate so you can budget before buying. It focuses on:
- Base VRT (from OMSP and CO2 band for passenger cars)
- NOx levy (based on NOx emissions and fuel type cap)
- Estimated total after optional relief deductions
How the estimate works
1) Base VRT (Category A passenger cars)
For Category A vehicles, this calculator applies a CO2-based percentage to the OMSP. The OMSP is Revenue’s assessed open market selling price in Ireland, not necessarily what you paid abroad.
| 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 | 13.30% |
| 121–130 | 15.25% |
| 131–140 | 16.75% |
| 141–155 | 19.50% |
| 156–170 | 23% |
| 171–190 | 26% |
| 191+ | 37% |
2) Category B simplified estimate
For quick planning, this tool uses a flat 13.3% estimate on OMSP for Category B vehicles. Real-world treatment can differ depending on the exact vehicle type and Revenue classification.
3) NOx levy
The NOx levy is estimated in three tiers:
- First 60 mg/km at €5 per mg
- Next 40 mg/km at €15 per mg
- Balance at €25 per mg
Cap assumptions used in this calculator:
- Diesel: capped at €4,850
- Non-diesel: capped at €600
- Electric: assumed €0 NOx levy
Worked example
Suppose you are importing a petrol passenger car with:
- OMSP: €20,000
- CO2: 120 g/km
- NOx: 50 mg/km
Estimated base VRT = 13.3% of €20,000 = €2,660. Estimated NOx levy = 50 × €5 = €250. Estimated total VRT = €2,910 (before any reliefs).
Other import costs you should budget for
Your full landed cost is usually higher than VRT alone. You may also need to plan for:
- Customs duty (where applicable)
- VAT (where applicable)
- Transport/shipping and insurance costs
- NCTS registration appointment fees
- Possible compliance/modification costs
Tips to avoid surprises
- Check the exact emissions values (CO2 and NOx) from official documentation.
- Do not assume your purchase price equals OMSP in Ireland.
- Keep copies of invoice, V5/logbook, and transport documents.
- Run several scenarios before you buy (best case / expected / worst case).
FAQ
Is this an official Revenue calculator?
No. It is an independent estimator designed for planning and budgeting.
Why can final VRT differ from this result?
Revenue may assess a different OMSP, category, relief eligibility, or emissions interpretation than your estimate.
Can I use this for electric cars?
Yes. Select electric fuel type and enter your OMSP. This tool assumes no NOx levy for EVs and lets you manually enter any relief amount if relevant.