Kerala offers incredible experiences to tourists as much as the locals, who enjoy staying there. The famed Keralan backwaters are a thing of beauty that is best witnessed with your own eyes.
The tropical state is a good place to live out a peaceful retirement. If you are planning to stay in Kerala for the long term, you would need to know about vehicle ownership (so you can get around independently) and road taxes in Kerala.
Kerala Vehicle Tax is levied as excise duty on every motor vehicle used or kept for use in Kerala at the rates specified by the State Government for each type of vehicle. The Government of Kerala has conferred the power of levying vehicle tax under Kerala Motor Vehicles Taxation Act (KMVT) 1976. According to this act, the registered owner or any person having possession control of a motor vehicle has to pay Kerala Vehicle Tax. On payment of Kerala Vehicle Tax, Motor Vehicle Department of Kerala issues a Tax License to the registered owner.
Kerala Motor Vehicles Taxation Act 1976
Kerala Motor Vehicles Taxation Act consolidates the laws relating to the levy of tax on motor vehicles and passengers and goods carried by such vehicles in Kerala. According to this KMVT act, no vehicle tax will be levied on a motor vehicle kept by a dealer or a manufacturer of the vehicle for trade and used under the authorization of a trade certificate granted by the registering authority.
Kerala Vehicle Tax Schedule (Rate)
The Kerala Government will specify the rate of Kerala Vehicle Tax for each type of vehicle. The Kerala Government has powers to increase the rate of vehicle tax from time to time. You can get the Vehicle Tax rate details from the official website of Kerala Motor Vehicle Department.
Rate of Additional Vehicle Tax
An additional vehicle tax at the rate prescribed on the date of payment will be paid along with the tax on overdue payments.
Additional Tax for Motor vehicles for which tax is realized for one year or more
- Within one month after the prescribed period – 10 % of the tax due for one year have to pay
- Within three months after the prescribed period – 20 % of the tax due for one year need to be paid
- Within six months after the prescribed period – 25 % of the tax due for one year
- In other cases – 50 % of the tax due for one year
Additional Tax for motor vehicles for which tax is realised quarterly
- Within one month after the prescribed period – 10 % of the tax due for a quarter
- Within three months after the prescribed period – 20 % of the tax due for a quarter
- Within six months after the prescribed – 25 % of the tax due for a quarter
- In other cases – 50 % of the tax due for a quarter
Kerala Vehicle Tax for a Temporary License
In the case of vehicles registered in any other state and entering the state of Kerala and staying therein, then, the vehicle tax payable for such vehicles will be given here:
- If such vehicle stay does not exceed seven days, one-tenth of the quarterly tax need to be paid.
- If such stay exceeds seven days but does not exceed 30 days, one-third of the quarterly tax will be payable
Kerala Vehicle Tax Online Payment Procedure
Step 1: The applicant needs to visit the home page of the Motor Vehicle Department of Kerala. From the main page, you need to click on ‘Vehicle’ option.
Step 2: The link will redirect to the new page. Click on e-Tax – Online Tax Payment for make Kerala vehicle tax payment.
Step 3: In the new page, enter the Vehicle Number in the given boxes correctly and provide the last five values of Chassis Number. Click on the GO button to proceed.
Step 4: The vehicle details will be displayed. You need to add Aadhaar number, mobile number and e-mail. You can see the tax/cess details such as tax to be paid, tax paid from and to and owner details.
Step 5: After checking the details, click on the next button. Fill up additional requirements if any asked by the computer.
Step 6: Details of tax paid, tax to be paid will be displayed on a new page. If the tax amount shown is correct, click on the confirm button.
Step 7: You will be redirected to Kerala e-Treasury page. Here, select the bank and click ‘Proceed for Payment’ to continue the payment or cancel the payment by clicking ‘Cancel’ Button.
Step 8: If you select the option Proceed for Payment the new page will appear. Please Note the GRN Number for future reference.
Step 9: The corresponding bank webpage will be displayed. You need to Login to the portal for making payment via net banking.
FAQs
What is Kerala Vehicle Tax?
Kerala Vehicle Tax is a road tax levied by the Kerala Motor Vehicles Department on vehicles used within the state. This tax contributes to maintaining and developing road infrastructure and ensuring safe travel. Vehicle owners must pay this tax to legally operate their vehicles in Kerala.
Who is required to pay vehicle tax in Kerala?
All vehicle owners in Kerala, including those with private, commercial, and two-wheeler or four-wheeler vehicles, are required to pay vehicle tax. Non-Kerala registered vehicles staying in Kerala for an extended period are also subject to vehicle tax in the state.