A van benefit is flat. A car benefit is not.

Van vs Car Benefit Calculator

The same £40,000 vehicle is a £4,968 benefit as a van and £25,604 as a car. That is £11,350 a year.

Free tool

Van vs Car Benefit Calculator

A van benefit is flat at £4,170 whatever the vehicle cost. A car benefit is the list price times an emissions percentage. Most double cab pickups moved from the first to the second in April 2025.

The vehicle
£
As new including options, not what you paid.
%
From the emissions band, off a P11D or the HMRC table.
%
20, 40 or 45.
Adds a flat £798 as a van, or the multiplier times the percentage as a car.
Extra cost of car treatment

-

Benefit as a van
Employee tax as a van
Employer Class 1A as a van
Benefit as a car
Employee tax as a car
Employer Class 1A as a car
The car benefit as a multiple
Extra cost a month
Over four years

What changed in April 2025

Most double cab pickups are treated as cars for the benefit charge from 6 April 2025, because they are equally suited to carrying people and goods with no predominant suitability.

Bought, leased or ordered before that date, van treatment runs to the earlier of the lease expiring or 5 April 2029. Capital allowances changed on the same logic from 1 April 2025 for companies.

A zero emission van is a nil benefit, which is the only route that beats both columns outright.

The same comparison, in a workbook

With the four year figure and every rate as an editable cell.

Download the workbook Free Excel workbook, no signup. Current for 2026/27.

FAQs

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.

What accounting services do you provide?

We provide bookkeeping, VAT returns, payroll, tax filings, annual accounts, and advisory services — tailored to freelancers, SMEs, and ecommerce businesses.

Do I get a dedicated accountant?

Yes. Every client works with a named accountant who knows your business inside out. You’ll never deal with call centres — just direct, personal support.

Which accounting software do you use?

We’re certified partners with Xero and QuickBooks. Our digital-first approach means you’ll always have real-time access to your financial data.

How much do your accounting services cost?

We offer fixed monthly packages with no hidden fees. Pricing depends on your business size and the level of support you need — but you’ll always know exactly what you’re paying for.

Can you help with tax compliance and HMRC filings?

Absolutely. We handle VAT, corporation tax, self-assessments, and payroll tax. We also manage HMRC correspondence on your behalf to ensure you never miss a deadline.

Do you only work with businesses in London?

No. While many of our clients are London-based, we also support businesses across the UK and ecommerce sellers worldwide through our cloud-based systems.

RESOURCES

Fresh takes on business and accounting.

Explore

CONTACT

Get in touch