Do I Need to Tax My Car If I’m Selling It?

Alright, let’s tackle a question that’s been buzzing around your head: “Do I really need to bother with road tax if I’m just going to sell my car anyway?” It’s a fair question, especially when you’re juggling a million other things trying to get your car sale-ready.

Luckily, we know almost everything there is to know about selling cars. So, we’ve pulled together all the information you need on road tax and selling your car. Let’s take a look.

Key Takeaways

• Road Tax 101: The Sell-My-Car Edition
• Selling The Hassle-Free Way

Road Tax 101: The Sell-My-Car Edition

Imagine road tax as that gym membership you keep paying for – it’s essential if you’re going to use the facilities. Road tax (or Vehicle Excise Duty, if you want to get fancy) is kind of like that, but for cars. It’s a must-have if you’re cruising around town or parking on public roads. So what happens when you sell?

Selling Your Car: To Tax or Not to Tax?

When you sell your car, your road tax doesn’t just tag along with it to the new owner. Nope, it’s more like a library book that needs to be returned to the government’s shelf. The moment your car gets a new owner, the road tax relationship with you ends. Kaput. Finished. The new owner has to start their own road tax.

So, if you’re selling, you might think, “Why bother renewing the tax if I’m just going to sell it?” And you’ve got a point. But here’s the kicker – if your car is hanging out on public roads (yes, even just parked), it needs to be taxed. Unless, of course, you declare it SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), which will let the DVLA know it’s not to be driven.

Our Top Tips

If you’re selling your car and it’s not going to be used on public roads, consider declaring it SORN. This way, you’re not paying for road tax you don’t need. And when you sell your car, remind the new owner that they need to get the road tax sorted ASAP. Find out when your road tax is due with our free tool.

Perhaps most importantly, as soon as you’ve sold the car, inform the DVLA. Doing this will officially transfer vehicle ownership and road tax responsibility to the new owner. This is their gig now – not yours.

Selling The Hassle-Free Way

We make selling your car as easy as pie. With instant online car valuations that are based on real-time market rates, free collections and offers that are locked in for 7 days – there’s no better way than the Big way.

Selling your car doesn’t have to be a headache, and dealing with road tax shouldn’t be a puzzle. With this guide, you’re all set to navigate the road tax waters like a pro. And remember, when you’re ready to sell, BigWantsYourCar.com is here to make your selling experience quicker than making a cuppa.