West Bengal Road Tax

West Bengal is one of the major states of India. Kolkata, the Capital, is a well-known metropolitan hubs of the country. The state has vast connective roads, and to maintain this smoothly, the state government charges a road tax to every vehicle owner residing in West Bengal. As per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, everyone has to pay road tax, depending on the make and use of the registered vehicle.

There are two types of prices - the ex-showroom price and the on-road price, where the on-road price always exceeds the ex-showroom price by 10%. Get a detailed guide to road tax in West Bengal.

West Bengal Vehicle Tax Act 1979

According to the West Bengal Vehicle Tax Act 1979, the RTO department is liable to collect the road tax from vehicle owners. The registered vehicle plying on the roads within the state is liable to the tax. The payment is made on a quarterly, annual or lifetime Basis.

Parameters to Calculate Road Tax

The tax is calculated based on the various factors, such as - the type of vehicle, purpose of usage (personal or transportation of goods), model, seating capacity, engine capacity, etc.

Road Tax on Two-Wheeler

The tax for a two-wheeler is calculated on the engine capacity.

Here are the tax for such vehicle-

Battery operated vehicle

The lifetime tax on the battery-operated vehicle are as follows:

Motorcycle not plying for hire

Here are the tax rates for motorcycles not plying for hire:

Road Tax on Four-Wheelers

Vahan tax for four-wheeler is determined with the use of the vehicle and its classification.

The following are the road tax for the motor vehicle owned by an individual under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act 1961.

Other Vehicle

Here is the tax rate on motor car owned by others:

Vehicle Owned by Industrial or Societies

Annual tax for a vehicle owned by industrial or societies under West Bengal Society Registration Act 1961:

Ominibuses

Tax rate for Omnibuses registered as a non-transport vehicle, which has completed 10 years are as follows:

Road Tax Penalty

In case of delay in the road tax payment, here are the penalty charges that you have to bear-

One-Time Tax Payment

The below-mentioned are the penalties levied for a one-time tax-

How Pay Road Tax in West Bengal?

You can pay the Vahan tax at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) at the time of registering the vehicle. You need to fill a form, and provide the registration documents of the vehicle with other supporting documents. Once you pay the road tax, collect the Receipt and keep it safe for future references.

FAQs

1. How is road tax calculated in West Bengal?

A: Road tax is calculated in West Bengal-based engine capacity, seating capacity, purchase date, and vehicle cost. The tax will also depend on a two-wheeler, three-wheeler, truck, van, commercial vehicle, or domestic vehicle.

2. Under which Act is West Bengal Road Tax?

A: The West Bengal Road Tax falls under Section 39 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.

3. Are taxes calculated separately for commercial and domestic vehicles?

A: Yes, the road tax for commercial vehicles is higher compared to domestic vehicles. Usually, commercial vehicles are goods vehicles and weigh more than domestic vehicles. Here, the tax is calculated based on the weight and age of the individual vehicles.

4. What is the on-road price of a vehicle in West Bengal?

A: The on-road price of a vehicle is usually 10% more than the showroom price. This applies to the capital city of West Bengal, i.e., Kolkata. However, even in suburban areas, the ex-showroom price is usually nearly 10% more than the vehicle's showroom price.

5. How can I pay road tax in West Bengal?

A: You can pay road tax both in the online and offline modes. If you want to pay in the offline mode, you can visit the Regional Transport Office. If you want to pay in the online mode, you need to log-in on to the Motor Vehicle Department of West Bengal's official website.

6. What is the penalty charged to a road tax defaulter in West Bengal?

A: There are several rates of penalties payable for a defaulter. For example, if you are paying the tax from 16 to 45 days from the expiry date, you will have to 25% of the tax payable. Similarly, if you are paying tax after 45 days, but before 75 days after expiry, then 50% of the tax must be paid as a penalty. After this, 100% of the payable tax needs to be paid as penalty.

7. Can I pay the tax online?

A: Yes, you can pay it online by logging on to the Motor Vehicle Department of West Bengal's official website.

8. How to pay the tax in the offline mode?

A: You can pay the tax by visiting the nearest RTO office with all the relevant documents.

9. Can I pay the tax in installments?

A: No, you need to pay a onetime tax for domestic vehicles, where you will make a single transaction, and your road tax for your vehicle will be paid for 15 years.

10. What are the documents I require to pay the tax?

A: You will need your vehicle registration document to pay the road tax. Along with all purchase-related documents to simplify the process of paying road tax.

11. If I use my vehicle for commercial purposes, do I still need to pay road tax?

A: Yes, you will have to pay road tax even if you are using your commercial vehicle purposes. Usually, road Taxes for commercial vehicles are higher.

12. Is there any exemption from paying road tax?

A: No, irrespective of whether these are used for commercial or domestic purposes, the owners of all vehicles are liable to pay taxes.

13. Has West Bengal Government launched any tax relief modes?

A: Although the Government of West Bengal has not provided any tax relief, however, there has been a waiver on penalties provided all dues are cleared within a specific date. This is done to encourage defaulters to clear their road tax dues.

14. Is there any tax relief on domestic vehicles?

A: No, there are no tax relief modes. However, you can pay the tax in a single transaction and be free of paying taxes for 15 years.