Monthly is easier to budget
Monthly Direct Debit spreads VED across the year, which can help when comparing running costs across several cars.
Payment intervals
Monthly car tax Direct Debit in 2026/27
UK vehicle tax can often be paid annually, every 6 months or by monthly Direct Debit. GOV.UK also publishes a separate 6-month Direct Debit amount, which is lower than the non-Direct Debit 6-month amount but higher than half of the annual amount.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026.
Direct answer
For the 2026/27 post-2017 standard rate, annual car tax is £200. If paid monthly by Direct Debit, the instalment is £17.50 and the total over 12 payments is £210.
Common monthly payment examples
| Case | 12 months | 6 months | Monthly Direct Debit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-2017 standard rate | £200 | £110 non-DD / £105 DD | £17.50 x 12 (£210 total) |
| Post-2017 with expensive car supplement | £640 | £352 non-DD / £336 DD | £56 x 12 (£672 total) |
| Pre-2001 car up to 1549cc | £230 | £126.50 non-DD / £120.75 DD | £20.13 x 12 (£241.50 total) |
| Pre-2001 car over 1549cc | £375 | £206.25 non-DD / £196.88 DD | £32.81 x 12 (£393.75 total) |
Annual is usually cheapest
A single 12-month payment is normally lower than the total paid by monthly Direct Debit or two 6-month non-Direct Debit payments.
Some low bands differ
Some legacy low CO2 bands do not offer the same 6-month option. Check the relevant band before comparing totals.