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German Car Tax Calculator

Calculate your annual German vehicle tax (KFZ-Steuer) for free. Updated calculator with the progressive CO2 tier model effective from 2021.

Calculator covers registrations from 01 July 2009

Found on the vehicle registration certificate, field P.1

WLTP value from field V.7, or NEDC from field V.9

Field 14.1 on the vehicle registration certificate

Don't have the vehicle data handy?

Enter the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and we'll look up the engine displacement, CO2 emissions, and all other technical specifications automatically.

Free VIN Check

How Is German Car Tax (KFZ-Steuer) Calculated?

The German vehicle tax (Kraftfahrzeugsteuer or KFZ-Steuer) is levied by the German customs authority (Hauptzollamt) and is mandatory for every registered vehicle in Germany. The calculation is based on two main components: engine displacement and CO2 emissions. Different calculation models apply depending on the first registration date.

Tax Formula for Passenger Cars (from 01.07.2009)

Since July 1, 2009, the KFZ-Steuer for passenger cars consists of two components:

Car Tax = Displacement Component + CO2 Component

Displacement Component

  • Petrol: EUR 2.00 per commenced 100 cc
  • Diesel: EUR 9.50 per commenced 100 cc

CO2 Component

  • Tax-free allowance: 95 g/km
  • 2009-2020: EUR 2.00 per g/km above allowance
  • From 2021: Progressive tier rates

Progressive CO2 Tax Tiers (from 2021)

For vehicles first registered from January 1, 2021, progressive tax rates apply to CO2 emissions. The higher the emissions, the higher the tax rate per gram. The tax-free allowance remains at 95 g/km.

CO2 Range (g/km)Tax Rate (EUR/g)
0 - 95 g/kmtax-free
96 - 115 g/kmEUR 2.00
116 - 135 g/kmEUR 2.20
136 - 155 g/kmEUR 2.50
156 - 175 g/kmEUR 2.90
176 - 195 g/kmEUR 3.40
196+ g/kmEUR 4.00

Displacement Rates by Fuel Type

The displacement component is calculated per commenced 100 cc. A 1,998 cc engine counts as 20 commenced units (rounded up). Diesel engines pay nearly five times more than petrol:

Fuel TypeEUR per 100 ccExample: 2.0L Engine
Petrol		EUR 2.00EUR 40.00
Diesel		EUR 9.50EUR 190.00

Worked Example: BMW 320d (2022)

For a BMW 320d with 1,995 cc displacement and 127 g/km CO2 (WLTP), first registered in 2022:

Displacement: 20 x EUR 9.50 = EUR 190.00

CO2 96-115 g/km: 20 x EUR 2.00 = EUR 40.00

CO2 116-127 g/km: 12 x EUR 2.20 = EUR 26.40

Total: EUR 256.00 / year

Electric Vehicle Tax Exemption

Battery electric vehicles (BEV) and fuel cell vehicles (FCEV) are exempt from KFZ-Steuer in Germany. This exemption applies to first registrations through December 31, 2025 and runs until December 31, 2030 at the latest. After the exemption expires, tax is expected to be based on gross vehicle weight.

Plug-in hybrids (PHEV) do not benefit from this exemption. They are taxed like conventional petrol or diesel vehicles, using the combustion engine's displacement and WLTP CO2 emissions figures.

Importing a Car to Germany? Check the Tax First

If you are importing a vehicle to Germany, KFZ-Steuer becomes due from the day of registration. The tax is calculated based on the vehicle's technical specifications as recorded in the EU type approval or national documentation. Knowing the annual tax obligation is essential for budgeting the total cost of ownership.

Before importing any used vehicle, we strongly recommend running a comprehensive VIN check. This reveals the full vehicle history including accident records, odometer readings, theft status, and whether the specifications match what the seller claims.

Check the Vehicle History Too

Beyond the tax calculation, check the vehicle history before buying any used car. Our free VIN decoder shows technical specifications, safety recalls, and more.

Enter VIN Number

Frequently Asked Questions About German Car Tax

How much is KFZ-Steuer (German car tax)?
German car tax depends on several factors: engine displacement, CO2 emissions, fuel type (petrol or diesel), and first registration date. For petrol engines, the displacement rate is EUR 2.00 per commenced 100 cc; for diesel, it's EUR 9.50 per commenced 100 cc. The CO2 component adds EUR 2.00-4.00 per g/km above the 95 g/km allowance (progressive tiers from 2021). Electric vehicles are exempt through 2030. Use our calculator above for an exact figure.
When is German car tax due?
KFZ-Steuer is paid annually in advance via SEPA direct debit, managed by the German customs authority (Hauptzollamt). Tax liability begins on the day of vehicle registration. You can request semi-annual (3% surcharge) or quarterly (6% surcharge) payments instead.
Are electric cars exempt from German car tax?
Yes, battery electric vehicles (BEV) and fuel cell vehicles (FCEV) are fully exempt from KFZ-Steuer through December 31, 2030. After the exemption period, tax will likely be calculated based on gross vehicle weight. Plug-in hybrids (PHEV) do NOT qualify for this exemption and are taxed like conventional petrol cars.
What changed in German car tax from 2021?
Since January 1, 2021, new registrations are subject to progressive CO2 tax tiers. The tax-free allowance remains at 95 g/km, but rates above that increase in steps: EUR 2.00/g for 96-115 g/km, EUR 2.20/g for 116-135 g/km, EUR 2.50/g for 136-155 g/km, EUR 2.90/g for 156-175 g/km, EUR 3.40/g for 176-195 g/km, and EUR 4.00/g above 195 g/km. This rewards low-emission vehicles.
Where do I find the vehicle data for the calculator?
In Germany, vehicle data is listed on the Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I (vehicle registration certificate): engine displacement in field P.1, CO2 emissions in field V.7 (WLTP) or V.9 (NEDC), fuel type in field P.3, and first registration in field B. Alternatively, enter the VIN (vehicle identification number) in our free VIN checker to retrieve all technical specifications automatically.
Do I need to pay German car tax when importing a car?
Yes, once you register a vehicle in Germany, KFZ-Steuer is due from the date of registration. If you're importing a car from abroad, the tax is calculated based on the vehicle's technical specifications. Before importing, we recommend running a VIN check to verify the vehicle's specifications and history.