If you own a motorhome, or you’re looking to buy one, you’re probably wondering how much it’s going to cost you in terms of tax.
In this post we’ll explain the factors that determine how much it will cost to tax your motorhome. We’ll also discuss whether there’s anything you can do to reduce the tax you pay on your motorhome.
Vehicle tax is just one of the ongoing running costs you’ll have to pay for your motorhome. Motorhome insurance is another important cost to consider. Our friendly team is always on-hand to find you exactly the cover you need for your motorhome, at a price you can afford. Call us on 0208 290 9086 or email us at personal@anthonyjones.com.
Vehicle Tax Rates for Motorhomes: What Determines the Cost?
The amount of tax you pay on your motorhome will depend on a number of factors:
- Its maximum or gross vehicle weight (GVW) – 3,500kg or less, or over 3,500kg
- The size of its engine – 1,549cc or less, or over 1,549
- Registration date – Tax rates for vehicles registered between 1 April 2017 and 11 March 2020 are based on CO2 emissions.
- List price – affects vehicles valued over £40,000.
How you choose to pay your tax bill can also have a small impact the total amount you pay, with annual payments usually working out cheaper than monthly instalments
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
The GVW is the total weight of your vehicle, including the maximum load it can safely carry on UK roads. So, for a motorhome, the GVW will include any furniture, fixtures, fittings, or any other equipment or belongings you pack, along with the weight of the vehicle itself.
If your motorhome has a GVW of 3,500kg or less, then it is classed as a “private or light goods vehicle”, with the tax code TC11.
Motorhome Taxes For Vehicles Weighing 3,500kg or Less (TC11)
If your motorhome has an engine of 1,549 cc or less:
- Single 12 month payment: £220
- Total of 12 monthly instalments: £231
- Single 6 month payment: £121
- Single 6 month payment by Direct Debit: £115.50
If your motorhome has an engine size that’s greater than 1,549 cc:
- Single 12 month payment: £171
- Total of 12 monthly instalments: £179.55
- Single 6 month payment: £94.05
- Single 6 month payment by Direct Debit: £88.98
Tax Rates for Motorhomes Registered Between 1 April 2027 and 11 March 2020
If your motorhome was registered between 1 April 2017 and 11 March 2020, you may need to pay a different rate of tax. This will include an initial rate based on your motorhome’s CO2 emissions, which you’ll pay the first time you register the vehicle.
This rate ranges from £10 for a zero emission vehicle, to £5,490 for a vehicle with emissions over 255g/km.
After this initial payment, you will have to pay an annual fee of around £200.
Extra Charges for Luxury Motorhomes
If your motorhome has a list price that’s greater than £40,000, you’ll have to pay an extra £425 a year.
Learn more about the tax rates that can apply to certain motorhomes on the government’s website.
Can I Reduce My Motorhome Tax?
There are three things you could try if you want to pay less tax on a motorhome:
- Choose the right vehicle. As we’ve seen, a motorhome’s tax rate largely depends on its GVW and its engine size. In some cases, the motorhome’s list price can also make a difference to the amount of tax you can pay. If you’re looking to buy your first motorhome, and you’re worried about running costs, you can save on tax payments through choosing a lighter vehicle with a smaller engine.
- Address your vehicle’s weight. We wrote a guide to up-plating motorhomes, which can help increase your GVW to avoid certain fines. But of course, a higher GVW may mean a higher tax rate. If you want to pay less tax, consider down-plating your motorhome instead. You could also think about your vehicle’s weight when choosing which fixtures and fittings to install.
- Pay annually rather than monthly. No matter what tax rate you’re on, you can invariably make a small saving on your vehicle tax if you pay in a single annual lump sum, rather than in instalments.
Do You Have Everything You Need For Your Motorhome Adventures?
Vehicle tax is just one factor you’ll have to sort out before you can take your motorhome on the road. There are many other things to consider, particularly if you’re planning a continental adventure.
Read our guide to the documents you’ll need for a European road trip.
Alongside vehicle tax, the other most important motorhome running cost to think about is insurance. If you’re heading abroad, your motorhome insurance will have to offer overseas cover, which should include some cover for international breakdowns.
At Anthony Jones, we specialise in bespoke insurance cover for campervans and motorhomes, which can include European breakdown cover. If you’re struggling to find the cover you need for your campervan or motorhome, call us on 0208 290 9099, or email Commercial.Motor@AnthonyJones.com.
