The new Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) rules for company vehicles, announced in Budget 2026, came into effect on 1 January 2026. These changes mark a clear move towards greener, lower-emission vehicles. If you are a contractor in Ireland using a company car or van, these updates could have a direct impact on your tax bill. Understanding how the new BIK rules apply to your vehicle choice and business mileage is now more important than ever.
To help, this blog clearly explains the current BIK rates in Ireland and outlines the key changes introduced under Budget 2026, so you can see what has changed and what it means for you when contracting in practical terms.
What Is BIK and Why It Matters for Contractors?
Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) is the tax you pay when you receive a non-cash benefit from your company — such as a company vehicle available for personal use.
The amount of BIK you pay depends on:
- The vehicle’s CO₂ emissions
- The Original Market Value (OMV)
- Your annual business mileage
BIK Rates in Ireland (From 1 January 2026)
Company cars are grouped into emissions-based categories.
| Vehicle Category | CO₂ Emissions (g/km) |
|---|---|
| A1 | 0g/km |
| A | 1g/km up to and including 59g/km |
| B | More than 59g/km up to and including 99g/km |
| C | More than 99g/km up to and including 139g/km |
| D | More than 139g/km up to and including 179g/km |
| E | More than 179g/km |
| Annual Business KM | A1 | A | B | C | D | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 26,000 km | 15% | 22.5% | 26.25% | 30% | 33.75% | 37.5% |
| 26,001 – 39,000 km | 12% | 18% | 21% | 24% | 27% | 30% |
| 39,001 – 48,000 km | 9% | 13.5% | 15.75% | 18% | 20.25% | 22.5% |
| Over 48,000 km | 6% | 9% | 10.5% | 12% | 13.5% | 15% |
BIK Rate for Vans
A flat BIK rate of 8% applies to all vans, regardless of emissions or mileage.
What Changed in Budget 2026?
1. New A1 Category for Zero-Emission Vehicles
From 2026, a new A1 category applies to zero-emission vehicles only.
Why this matters for contractors:
- A1 vehicles qualify for the lowest BIK rates
- Rates range from 6% to 15%, depending on business mileage
- This makes electric company cars significantly more tax-efficient
2. Extended OMV Reduction for Company Cars (Categories A1–D)
Budget 2026 extends the Original Market Value (OMV) relief for company vehicles:
- €10,000 OMV reduction in 2026
- €5,000 reduction in 2027
- €2,500 reduction in 2028
This relief applies to categories A1 to D, reducing the value used to calculate BIK and, in turn, lowering your tax bill.
3. Additional OMV Relief for Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles continue to receive additional support:
- €20,000 additional OMV reduction in 2026
- €10,000 additional OMV reduction in 2027
What this means in practice for electric company vehicles:
- 2026 total OMV reduction: €30,000 (€10,000 standard + €20,000 EV relief)
- 2027 total OMV reduction: €15,000 (€5,000 standard + €10,000 EV relief)
Example: Electric Vehicle in 2026
- Original Market Value (OMV) when new: €60,000
- Purchase price (second-hand): €40,000
- EV OMV exemption in 2026: €30,000
Because Revenue looks at the original value of €60,000, the exemption only applies to the first €30,000.
Taxable OMV calculation:
- €60,000 (OMV) minus €30,000 (2026 EV exemption) = €30,000 taxable value
At Icon Accounting, we specialise in supporting independent contractors operating through limited companies. Our fully managed service takes care of your company tax obligations, while also guiding you on tax-efficient decisions — including whether a company vehicle makes sense and what type of vehicle best suits your circumstances under the new BIK rules. If you’d like tailored advice on company cars and our services, get in touch with our team today to see how we can help you plan with confidence.
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