Background Note
5.Section 139 of ITEPA sets out the basis for calculating the appropriate percentage for cars with CO2 emissions. The appropriate percentage multiplied by the list price of the car (adjusted for any taxable accessories) provides the level of chargeable benefit for company car tax for employees and of Class 1A NICs for employers.
6.From 6 April 2012, the graduated table of company car tax bands will provide for a zero per cent band for zero emission cars, a 5 per cent band for ultra low emissions cars (1-75g CO2 per km emissions), a new 10 per cent band for other low emissions cars (76g-100g CO2 per km emissions) with a one per cent increase for each rise in emissions of 5g CO2 per km above 100g CO2 to a maximum of 35 per cent.
7.Section 51 of the Finance Act 2011 provided for a change to the 10 per cent band for low emissions cars to 76-95g CO2 per km from 6 April 2013.
8.This section has the effect of retaining the same emissions values, but instead increases the value of the appropriate percentage by one per cent to 11 per cent for cars with emissions below the relevant threshold, and 12 per cent for cars at the relevant threshold, respectively. The appropriate percentage for cars with zero emissions and those emitting 75g CO2 or less will remain unchanged for 2014-15.
9.On average, the level of CO2 emissions produced by new cars fell by more than 5g in the last year. These changes support the Government’s commitment to reducing the UK’s carbon footprint.
