Changes to company car benefits from 6th April 2020

The UK has adopted the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) to establish the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions figures for all new cars registered from 6th April 2020. These are likely to be higher for most petrol/diesel vehicles because they reflect ‘real world’ driving conditions. This will therefore increase the benefit charge.

Cars registered after 6th April 2020

As a result, the Government will introduce a new set of benefit rates for new cars registered from 6th April 2020.

The benefit rates will be based on the normal rules, but reduced by 2% for 2020/21, 1% in 2021/22 and 0% 2022/23. This will ensure that the transition to using the WLTP is a gradual one.

Cars registered before 6th April 2020

The car benefit rates for vehicles registered before 6th April 2020 will remain the same with the introduction of range in electric mode for ultra-low emission cars. The greater the miles the car can do in pure electric mode, the lower the percentage and therefore, the lower the tax charge.

For zero emissions vehicles, the benefit in kind percentage (16% for 2019/20) will be reduced to 2% for 2020/21, 1% for 2021/22 and 2% for 2022/23.

Date published 8 Apr 2020 | Last updated 8 Apr 2020

This article is intended to inform rather than advise and is based on legislation and practice at the time. Taxpayer’s circumstances do vary and if you feel that the information provided is beneficial it is important that you contact us before implementation. If you take, or do not take action as a result of reading this article, before receiving our written endorsement, we will accept no responsibility for any financial loss incurred.