Do I have to pay motor tax in arrears?

Do I have to pay motor tax in arrears?

I bought a second hand vehicle since December 2025 and it has been parked without use since then and the road tax expired in January 2026 and I wasn’t aware that I should declare it off road I am just getting to know about it now, what should I do?

Our answer:

Hi Echezona,

I'm afraid the law is quite clear - if the car is registered in your name, you must pay motor tax on the car unless you declare it off the road ahead of time. You'll have to pay the arrears on the car if you are planning to keep the car. If the car is sold, then the tax debt is wiped out.

Shane O'Donoghue

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