Road Tax in Spain
How IVTM works, what you'll pay, and why it's usually cheaper than UK road tax.
What is IVTM?
IVTM stands for Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica — the Spanish road tax. Unlike UK road tax (VED) which is paid to central government, IVTM is paid directly to your local town hall (ayuntamiento). This means rates vary depending on where you live in Spain.
How Rates Are Calculated
IVTM rates are based on your vehicle's fiscal horsepower (caballos fiscales), not the actual engine power. Fiscal horsepower is calculated from the engine capacity and number of cylinders. Each municipality sets its own rates within national guidelines.
Generally Cheaper Than the UK
Most vehicle owners in Spain pay significantly less road tax than they would in the UK. A typical family car might cost €60–€150 per year in IVTM, compared to £165+ for UK VED.
How & When to Pay
Annual Payment
IVTM is paid once per year, typically in the first few months of the year. Your town hall will notify you of the payment window.
Pay at Town Hall
You can pay in person at your local ayuntamiento, at a bank with the payment notice, or online depending on your municipality.
Direct Debit
Many town halls offer domiciliación bancaria (direct debit) so the payment is taken automatically from your Spanish bank account.
We Calculate Your Exact IVTM
As part of our import service, we calculate the exact IVTM for your vehicle based on your municipality. We'll pay it on your behalf during the registration process, so there are no surprises.
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