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German car tax calculator (Kfz-Steuer)
Enter fuel type, engine size, CO2 value (WLTP) and first-registration date to calculate the annual Kfz-Steuer for a passenger car under the KraftStG.
Most German car-insurance contracts can be cancelled until 30 November 2026 – here is how to switch for 2027.
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How to use it
- Choose petrol, diesel or electric.
- Enter the engine size and the CO₂ value from your registration document (field V.7).
- Enter the first-registration date to apply the right CO₂ rules.
How is German car tax made up?
For cars first registered from July 2009, the tax has two parts: a base amount by engine size and a CO₂ component. For new cars from 2021 the CO₂ component rises in steps – higher emissions cost more per gram. That's why a large petrol car can cost far more than a small diesel with low CO₂.
The tax is collected annually in advance by the customs office via direct debit.
Save on tax and insurance
You can only influence car tax through your choice of car. Car insurance, however, is worth comparing every year: most contracts can be cancelled by 30 November for the new year.
Examples: car tax for first registration from 2021
| Fuel | Engine | CO₂ | Tax/year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 999 ccm | 110 g/km | €50 |
| Petrol | 1,498 ccm | 122 g/km | €85 |
| Petrol | 1,984 ccm | 160 g/km | €188 |
| Petrol | 2,998 ccm | 210 g/km | €380 |
| Diesel | 1,598 ccm | 120 g/km | €203 |
| Diesel | 1,968 ccm | 140 g/km | €286 |
| Diesel | 2,993 ccm | 190 g/km | €528 |
Last checked: October 2026 · Based on: German Motor Vehicle Tax Act (KraftStG). Found a mistake? Use the form below – we fix confirmed errors and update the date.
Frequently asked questions
How is the German car tax calculated?
Engine-size part: €2.00 (petrol) or €9.50 (diesel) per started 100 ccm. CO₂ part for cars registered since 2021: nothing for the first 95 g/km, then €2.00–4.00 per gram in rising steps. Cars from July 2009 to 2020 pay €2 per gram above 120/110/95 g/km depending on the date.
Do electric cars pay Kfz-Steuer?
Electric cars first registered by 31 December 2030 are exempt for ten years, but no longer than 31 December 2035.
Where do I find the CO₂ value?
In the registration certificate part I (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I), field V.7.