Tax authorities across the country have begun sending notices to vehicle owners reminding them that road tax must be settled before December 1, 2022. This payment is a regional obligation, and the amount can vary significantly from one area to another even for the same vehicle. In general, the difference reflects local budgets and policy choices, with some regions levying much lower charges and others applying higher rates to fund transportation infrastructure and public services. For instance, Ingushetia tends to impose the smallest levy for a commonly owned model, while Moscow, its surrounding region, and Saint Petersburg sit at the higher end of the scale.
Consider a typical example: a Lada Granta equipped with a 90 horsepower engine. In Ingushetia, the tax for this car might amount to around 450 rubles, which equates to about 5 rubles per horsepower. By contrast, in Moscow the same vehicle could trigger a payment of roughly 1,080 rubles, which translates to about 12 rubles per horsepower. These numbers illustrate how the same car can contribute very different sums depending on where it is registered and registered tax class provisions.
The transport tax plays a significant role in the finances of regional administrations. Each year, motorist payments contribute a substantial share to regional budgets, contributing approximately 200 billion rubles. In the broader fiscal picture, excise duties on fuel also represent a sizable revenue stream, delivering an amount that is comparable to transport tax receipts. There is a basic design to the system: fuel excises are meant to align tax liability with driving activity, but the transport tax remains in effect as a separate mechanism for funding road networks and related public goods.
Additionally, there is a new threshold that affects the so-called luxury tax on transport. This year the threshold for luxury-rate vehicles has increased from 3 million rubles to 10 million rubles in assessed value. As a result, a number of cars that previously qualified as luxury vehicles are no longer taxed at the elevated rate, which changes how owners of certain high-value models are taxed. This shift alters planning for households that own premium cars and can influence choices about vehicle ownership and classification for tax purposes.
For individuals who simply want to know their exact obligation, there is typically no need to perform manual calculations. The official tax amount is listed on the taxpayer’s personal account and will appear on the payment document that is sent or made available in the taxpayer’s mailbox in due course. Delays in payment carry interest charges for each day past the due date, so timely settlement is important to avoid extra costs. In practical terms, once the notice is issued, the amount due becomes a concrete obligation that the vehicle owner can verify and remit through the standard payment channels, with the tax authority providing official figures and confirmation receipts.
It is worth noting that the system distinguishes between ordinary transport tax and the luxury-rate category, and regional administrations retain authority to adjust rates within the legal framework. Owners who are uncertain about their liability should check the latest official documents and their personal accounts to confirm the exact amount. In all cases, prompt payment helps maintain compliance and prevents additional charges that can accumulate quickly over time.
In summary, road tax remains a recurring and regionally nuanced obligation that reflects both vehicle characteristics and local fiscal policy. While fuel excise duties contribute to related revenue, the transport tax remains a persistent, independent levy tied to ownership and vehicle usage patterns. Road tax administration is designed to be transparent, though the precise amounts will consistently differ by region, vehicle type, and valuation rules, making it essential for owners to review official notices and timelines for accurate, timely payment. Attribution: official tax authority guidance and regional tax policies.