Car Taxes in Austria 2026: NoVA, Motor-Related Insurance Tax and Vehicle Tax

If you import a car into Austria or register one there, you may encounter several vehicle-related taxes and charges. The main ones are NoVA, motor-related insurance tax and vehicle tax. This guide explains what they are, where to find current information and calculators, and when a disability-related exemption may apply.

Which vehicle taxes apply in Austria?

Austria’s vehicle-related taxes and charges (Kfz-Steuern und -Abgaben) include:

• Normverbrauchsabgabe (NoVA) – the standard consumption tax
• Motorbezogene Versicherungssteuer – motor-related insurance tax
• Kraftfahrzeugsteuer – vehicle tax
• Kraftfahrzeugsteuererklärung – vehicle tax return

A common misunderstanding concerns the term sometimes translated as “engine wealth tax”. The official name is motor-related insurance tax. It is not a wealth tax, but a type of insurance tax calculated according to the vehicle’s engine.

What is NoVA?

NoVA, short for Normverbrauchsabgabe, is one of Austria’s best-known vehicle charges. It commonly arises when a vehicle is imported or registered in Austria, so it is worth checking the applicable rules before starting the process.

The exact amount, rate and payment method are not represented by one fixed figure. They must be determined using the current rules. The Federal Ministry of Finance’s Unternehmensserviceportal (USP) and the online advisers and calculators (Online-Ratgeber und -Rechner) on oesterreich.gv.at provide information and calculation tools.

What are motor-related insurance tax and vehicle tax?

Motor-related insurance tax (motorbezogene Versicherungssteuer) and vehicle tax (Kraftfahrzeugsteuer) are two separate types of tax. Exemptions relating to them are discussed under the common subject of exemption from motor-related insurance tax or vehicle tax.

The vehicle tax also has a related vehicle tax return (Kraftfahrzeugsteuererklärung). Information about this is available on the USP.

Because the name motor-related insurance tax includes the word “insurance”, you should also check the compulsory motor liability insurance requirements separately.

Where can you check the current amounts?

Vehicle tax rules can change, so always use the latest information. The vehicle tax page on oesterreich.gv.at was updated on 26 August 2026. It provides access to:

• detailed descriptions of NoVA, motor-related insurance tax and vehicle tax on the USP,
• information about the vehicle tax return,
• online advisers and calculators.

The calculators use your vehicle’s data to indicate how much you may need to pay. Do not base an important decision on estimated or unofficial amounts.

Who may be exempt from NoVA?

A vehicle used for the personal transport of a person with a disability may be exempt from NoVA. This applies where using public transport cannot reasonably be expected (Unzumutbarkeit der Benützung öffentlicher Verkehrsmittel), as well as to blind persons.

The conditions include:

1. An official confirmation (Bescheinigung) that the exemption from motor-related insurance tax is being used for the vehicle.
2. The vehicle’s vehicle identification number (Fahrzeugidentifikationsnummer, FIN) must be reported to the competent tax office (Finanzamt).
3. The vehicle must be blocked in the type-approval database (Genehmigungsdatenbank).

This information was updated on 1 January 2026. Further details on this exemption are available through the relevant official information.

Frequently asked questions

Are “engine wealth tax” and motor-related insurance tax the same?

In everyday language, “engine wealth tax” is an inaccurate translation of motorbezogene Versicherungssteuer. The correct name is motor-related insurance tax.

Where can I calculate how much NoVA I have to pay?

You can use the online calculators on oesterreich.gv.at and the USP. The NoVA amount depends on the vehicle’s data, so there is no single general amount.

Can a vehicle used by a person with a disability be exempt from NoVA?

Yes, if it is used for personal transport and the conditions are met. These include confirmation of the exemption from motor-related insurance tax, reporting the vehicle identification number to the tax office and blocking the vehicle in the type-approval database.

Is there a separate return for vehicle tax?

Yes. A separate vehicle tax return (Kraftfahrzeugsteuererklärung) is associated with vehicle tax. Details are available on the USP.

Practical steps

1. Identify which taxes apply to your vehicle: NoVA, motor-related insurance tax and/or vehicle tax.
2. Collect the vehicle data required by the online advisers and calculators.
3. Check the current information on oesterreich.gv.at and the Unternehmensserviceportal (USP).
4. Use the official calculators rather than relying on unofficial estimates.
5. If you are applying for a disability-related NoVA exemption, obtain the Bescheinigung, report the FIN to the Finanzamt and ensure that the vehicle is blocked in the Genehmigungsdatenbank.

This information is based on online sources and does not constitute professional advice. Use it at your own risk and seek advice from a qualified professional where necessary.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at