Major car tax changes launching within months will see drivers charged more after HMRC decision
GB NEWS
'We aim to ensure our customers understand the implications and encourage them to act now to avoid higher costs later'
A popular car brand has called on the Government to introduce new car tax changes before April amid fears drivers could be hammered with extra costs.
Isuzu UK has launched a new campaign aimed at encouraging customers to buy a new vehicle ahead of "significant" Benefit-in-Kind car tax changes launching in April 2025.
Under the new guidance, the HMRC will reclassify double cab pick-up trucks as commercial vehicles for Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) and Capital Allowances (CA) purposes.
They will now be treated as cars, leading to increased car tax costs for buyers and businesses, prompting Isuzu to launch the campaign.
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Drivers are being warned of the new changes ahead of the April car tax deadline
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As part of the new campaign, Isuzu will market its D-Max pick-up truck with the slogan: "From April 6, 2025, I'll identify as a car!"
The company said it wants to remind businesses and individual motorists about the need to "take advantage of the current tax benefits" before the HMRC rules are launched.
Double cab pick-up trucks purchased or ordered before April 6 for BiK purposes and April 1 for CA purposes will retain their commercial vehicle classification until April 5, 2029.
It follows a Court of Appeal ruling that stated double cab pick-up trucks serve dual purposes, namely for passengers and transporting cargo, hence the change.
Isuzu is urging motorists to make a decision on their next vehicle ahead of the looming April deadline
ISUZU
Alan Able, managing director of Isuzu UK, said the campaign reflected the brand's commitment to helping motorists keep informed about potential car tax hikes that could impact them.
He added: "We recognise that HMRC’s decision represents a fundamental shift in how double cab pick-ups are taxed.
"With this campaign, we aim to ensure our customers understand the implications and encourage them to act now to avoid higher costs later.
"The Isuzu D-Max has always been the backbone of businesses, and this campaign underscores the value it offers ahead of the upcoming changes."
If someone is to ignore the guidance from Isuzu and buy a double cab pick-up truck after the new tax changes are rolled out in April, they will be subject to pay far more expensive charges.
As announced in the Autumn Budget, Labour confirmed that it would treat double cab pick-ups with a payload of one tonne or more as cars for certain tax purposes.
Transitional BiK arrangements will apply for employers that have purchased, leased or ordered a DCPU before April 6, 2025.
While new changes are being introduced for double cab pick-up trucks, single and extended cab pick-ups will remain classified as commercial vehicles.
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The HMRC originally tried to introduce the rules at the start of 2024 but was met with intense backlash from businesses and drivers.
The decision was quickly scrapped just a week after the announcement was made as the HMRC said it had listened to the opinions of the affected industries.