Big taxes for big cars - this is how the Federal Government wants to persuade more drivers to switch to climate-friendly models. But that's not the only thing that motorists will soon face.
Berlin (dpa) - The federal government wants to get the Germans to buy more climate-friendly cars. The motor vehicle tax for large fuel guzzlers should therefore increase. In the Corona crisis of all places, a tax increase should be decided - albeit one that most citizens will hardly notice.
The problem: The federal government wants to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in traffic by at least 40 percent - but citizens are buying more and more large SUVs and SUVs that emit a lot of CO2. The new tax should provide an incentive to choose a greener car "next to no bans and penalties" when buying a new car, the Ministry of Finance wrote in its bill.
An overview of the plans - and what else awaits drivers:
The new calculation model
In principle, the aim of the new calculation is: big taxes for big cars. In addition to the cubic capacity, there is a stricter climate component that is based on the fuel consumption and thus the CO2 emissions of the car. It increases in six stages from 2 to 4 euros per gram of carbon dioxide per kilometer.
Specifically, this means that up to 95 grams of CO2 per kilometer, the climate surcharge on the tax is zero. From 96 to 115 grams - as before - 2 euros per gram and kilometer. From CO2 emissions of 116 grams per kilometer, the climate component increases compared to the previous tax rate: first to 2.20 euros, then to 2.50 euros, 2.90 and 3.40 euros up to a top rate of 4 euros for Cars with CO2 emissions of more than 195 grams per kilometer. "The tax will change significantly compared to the previous level," the Ministry of Finance predicts for these cars.
For whom something is changing now
Most drivers will not feel the change in their wallets at first - because it only applies to new registrations. And here, too, not everyone has to pay more money. Electric cars are completely exempt from vehicle tax for ten years. Anyone who buys a different, very climate-friendly car also doesn't pay. There are surcharges compared to the previous tax only from CO2 emissions of 116 grams per kilometer. But that also means that the average new car is more expensive to pay for taxes.
Who pays how much
According to the ministry, the cars that were first registered in 2019 had an average CO2 test value of 157 grams per kilometer. With the new tax, this average car will be more expensive at € 15.80 a year. However, the range extends from a few cents to more than 100 euros. Nothing changes for an Opel Corsa with a CO2 emissions of 95 grams, a typical small car. A FAMILY CARRIAGE like the VW Passat with 120 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer would be one euro more expensive.
The difference is greater with the popular SUVs, in whose segment more than one in five new cars fell last year. For a VW T-ROC with 151 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer, 11.50 euros more were incurred, for an Audi Q8 with CO2 emissions of 182 grams per kilometer one would have to pay almost 42 euros more. For a SPORTS CAR like the Porsche 911 with 215 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer, it would be 100 euros more a year, for a Ferrari 812 with 340 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer it would be a whopping 350 euros.
Flat rate for commuters increases
Workers with longer journeys are relieved because of the rising fuel prices. From 2021, the commuter allowance will increase from 30 to 35 cents from the 21st kilometer, and from 2024 to 38 cents per kilometer. This amount can be deducted from the taxable income per working day, the simple distance counts. Those who earn so little that they do not pay taxes should benefit from a mobility flat rate.
Buying a car is encouraged - but only with an electric drive
Until at least the end of 2025, citizens who buy an electric car can benefit from an environmental bonus. With a list price of up to 40,000 euros, there are 6,000 euros for pure e-cars and up to 4,500 euros for hybrids that run on electricity or fuel. For more expensive cars - up to 65,000 euros - there is a 5000 euros bonus for pure e-cars and 3750 for hybrids. Half of the bonus is paid by the manufacturers, the other half comes from tax money. By the end of 2021, the state will now double its share as part of the stimulus package. If you buy a pure electric car now, you can save up to 9,000 euros.
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