Importing cars is more popular than ever and that is not surprising when you consider that the Netherlands is one of the three most expensive countries when it comes to car tax. BPM stands for the tax on passenger cars and motor vehicles. Calculating the BPM can be done in a smart way, which gives you a lot of advantages, something that is clear from comparisons between recent years.

Rising

When the first half of 2020 is compared with the first half of 2021, the import of cars seems to have increased by no less than eighty percent. However, for a correct comparison, one should actually look at the figures from 2018 and 2019 when the number of imported cars was around 121.000 and 106.000 respectively. Due to the closure of a number of RDW stations in 2020, the number of cars to be inspected rose sharply, creating a somewhat skewed picture. In fact, you can conclude that now, in 2021, imports are showing an upward trend compared to previous years.

Electric and hybrid cars

In particular, the demand for plug-in hybrid and electric cars is increasing significantly. This can partly be explained by the favorable regulations in Germany combined with subsidies in the Netherlands. Furthermore, you need to calculate less BPM for a car that is less polluting than for a more polluting car. Since 2, CO2013 emissions have been a determining factor in calculating the level of the BPM. The use of the schemes in combination with the lower purchase value of many cars abroad and the lower BPM rates for imports therefore yield serious savings.

Calculate BPM

When you import a car, the purchase price is the largest expense. A number of things are necessary to calculate the BPM. You need to know the year of manufacture of the car and the level of CO2 emissions. If you want, the rate for each year, from the year of manufacture of the car, can be used, including the rate for the current year, if that is cheaper. Keep in mind that different rules apply every year. The tax levied on the imported car can be depreciated. These depreciations are used to calculate the final BPM. For this, in addition to the depreciation list from the tax authorities and that of the price list, a depreciation list with a valuation report is also available. The latter mainly occurs when calculating BPM for damaged cars.

Dutch Periodic Vehicle Inspection

Upon arrival in the Netherlands, the car must first be inspected by the RDW. If there is an APK inspection from abroad, please bring it with you. An approved European APK certificate can be taken over. If not, the car will be technically inspected. After approval you will receive a form for the BPM declaration. Calculating and paying the BPM, together with the approval of the RDW, form the basis for obtaining the registration certificate. With this proof the license plates can be printed. Importing cars has many pitfalls. Finding a reliable dealer is important so that you know how to buy a good car for the right price. It Calculate BPM is not easy. If you need help, engage companies for a correct calculation so that you cannot be confronted with additional assessments later.

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