Excise Tax on Fuel Inefficient Cars

1. What is the new Excise Tax (Green Levy) on Fuel Inefficient Vehicles?
2. What vehicles will the new excise tax apply to?
3. How is the new excise tax calculated?
4. Who does the new excise tax apply to?
5. When will the new excise tax come into effect?
6. Where can I get more information about the new excise tax?
7. Are used vehicles imported into Canada subject to this new tax?

---

Q.1 What is the new Excise Tax (Green Levy) on Fuel Inefficient Vehicles?

A.1 The budget proposes to introduce a vehicle efficiency incentive (VEI) designed to promote the purchase of fuel-efficient vehicles in Canada.

The VEI includes:

• A rebate for highly fuel-efficient vehicles;
• A neutral treatment for vehicles of average fuel efficiency; and
• A new excise tax on fuel inefficient vehicles.

The CRA will be administering the new excise tax on fuel inefficient vehicles.

Q.2 What vehicles will the new excise tax apply to?

A.2 The excise tax will apply to certain new automobiles (including station wagons, vans and sport utility vehicles) designed primarily to carry passengers. The excise tax does not apply to pick-up trucks, vans equipped to accommodate ten or more passengers, ambulances and hearses. Please refer to question 3 to find out which vehicles are subject to the excise tax.

Q.3 How is the new excise tax calculated?

A.3 The excise tax is calculated on the basis of the weighted average fuel consumption, as determined in accordance with information published by Natural Resources Canada. For purposes of this excise tax, the weighted average is calculated by combining 55% of the city fuel consumption rating with 45% of the highway fuel consumption rating. A listing of vehicles and associated fuel-efficiency ratings can be found on the Natural Resources Canada Web site. For your convenience a listing of 2007 model year vehicles, their weighted average fuel consumption ratings and associated fuel-inefficient vehicle tax rates can also be found here (PDF document).

Vehicles that have a weighted average fuel consumption of 13 or more litres per 100 km will be subject to the tax at the following rates:

• At least 13 but less than 14 litres per 100 km: $1,000
• At last 14, but less than 15 litres per 100 km: $2,000
• At least 15 but less than 16 litres per 100 km: $3,000
• 16 or more litres per 100 km: $4,000

Q.4 Who does the new excise tax apply to?

A.4 The tax will be payable by the automobile manufacturer or importer at the time the vehicles are delivered to a purchaser (usually a dealer) or imported. The tax will not apply to vehicles that are manufactured in Canada and exported for sale in other countries, or to vehicles that are imported and subsequently exported prior to being put into service in Canada.

Q.5 When will the new excise tax come into effect?

A.5 The new excise tax applies to automobiles delivered by a manufacturer after March 19, 2007 and each automobile imported into Canada after that day unless the automobile had been put into service before March 20, 2007.

This measure does not apply to an automobile for which an agreement in writing has been entered into before March 20, 2007 between a person in the business of selling vehicles and a final consumer and for which possession is taken by the final consumer before October 2007.

Q.6 Where can I get more information about the new excise tax?

A.6 The CRA is committed to providing taxpayers with up-to-date information. Taxpayers are encouraged to check our Web site often - all new forms, policies and guidelines will be posted here as they become available.

In the meantime, please consult the Department of Finance's Budget 2007 documents for details.

If you would like to speak with someone regarding the Excise Tax Act please call toll free at 1-866-330-3304.

Q.7 Are used vehicles imported into Canada subject to this new tax?

A.7 If the vehicle was put into service prior to March 20, 2007 and imported into Canada on or after March 20, 2007, the tax does not apply.

If the vehicle was put into service on or after March 20, 2007 and imported into Canada, the tax would apply provided the weighted average fuel consumption rating of 13 or more litres per 100 km.

An automobile is considered to be put into service at the earliest of:

• the date the automobile is registered with a motor vehicle authority;
• the date it is plated;
• the date on which the automobile's warranty has been put in place; or
• the date the automobile is appropriated by a dealer for their own use.