Motor Vehicle Tax (MRB) - Netherlands 2025

Motor Vehicle Tax (Motorrijtuigenbelasting) is an annual tax on cars and motorcycles based on vehicle weight and fuel type. Electric vehicles are currently exempt until 2025.

Last Updated: 2025-01-01

Key Points

  • Annual tax on all motor vehicles registered in the Netherlands
  • Based on vehicle weight and fuel type (petrol, diesel, LPG, hybrid, electric)
  • Electric vehicles fully exempt until end of 2025
  • Diesel vehicles taxed higher than petrol vehicles
  • Payment quarterly in advance (January, April, July, October)
  • Tax refund possible if vehicle is deregistered
  • Separate rates for motorcycles and special vehicles
  • Tax collected by Dutch Vehicle Authority (RDW)

Calculation Example

Example: Petrol Car 1,200kg

Vehicle Weight:1,200 kg
Fuel Type:Petrol
Base Rate (Petrol):€47.04
Weight Factor (700kg × €0.1248):€87.36
Result:€134 per year

Base rate €47.04 plus €87.36 for weight above 500kg threshold equals €134.40 annual MRB.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are electric vehicles tax-free?

The government provides tax incentives to encourage electric vehicle adoption. Full exemption applies until end of 2025, after which rates will be gradually introduced.

When do I need to pay MRB?

MRB is due quarterly in advance: January, April, July, and October. You'll receive payment notices from the Dutch Vehicle Authority (RDW).

What happens if I sell my car during the year?

You can get a refund for full months remaining after deregistration. Submit a deregistration form to RDW to stop future charges.

Do hybrid vehicles get discounts?

Plugin hybrids (PHEVs) had 50% discount until 2024, 25% discount in 2025, and will pay full rate from 2026. Regular hybrids pay standard rates based on weight.