Popularly known as the “car seal”, as Notícias ao Minuto mentions, the Single Circulation Tax (IUC) will undergo significant changes from 2026 onwards. The measure was announced by the Government as part of the tax simplification package, approved by the Council of Ministers, and will unify the payment deadline for this tax.
According to Notícias ao Minuto, the objective is for all taxpayers to have a single date to pay the IUC, no longer dependent on the month in which the vehicle was registered. The change aims to simplify the system, reduce forgetfulness and ensure greater transparency in compliance with this tax obligation.
A tax with a new calendar
Currently, IUC must be paid by the last day of the month corresponding to the anniversary of registration. This means that, for example, a car registered in March has tax to be paid by the end of that month.
From 2026, the system changes. All taxpayers will now have a single payment date: the end of February. According to the Tax Administration (AT), vehicles whose tax is less than 100 euros will have to pay the full amount that month. In cases where the tax exceeds 100 euros, you will be able to opt for two installments, one in February and the other until the end of October.
Direct debit: the option not to forget
Although still little used, it is now possible to pay the IUC by direct debit, a modality that can be activated on the Finance Portal and which guarantees automatic payment on the deadline defined by AT.
According to the same source, this option is available to owners of vehicles in categories A, B, C, D and E, as long as the weight is equal to or less than 12 tons and the vehicle is not under rental.
However, there are exceptions: vehicles exempt from IUC, namely those allocated to people with a disability equal to or greater than 60%, and vehicles under leasing or rental cannot adhere to this method.
With direct debit, the amount is automatically withdrawn from the taxpayer’s bank account, eliminating the need to generate ATM references or access the online portal. The main advantage, explains Notícias ao Minuto, is to avoid forgetfulness that could result in fines.
What changes in practice
By standardizing the calendar, the Government hopes to reduce delays and facilitate tax management. Currently, the scattered dates, depending on the month of registration, create confusion among taxpayers, especially families or companies with several vehicles.
The new single date will allow for centralized and predictable management. Therefore, all drivers now know that the IUC must be paid in February, without exceptions.
A tax with environmental weight
IUC is not just a tax obligation. According to , the tax also works as an environmental policy instrument, since its value is calculated based on engine capacity, fuel and carbon dioxide emissions.
With the new model, the Government intends to reinforce this connection, associating administrative simplification with greater environmental awareness.
Prepare for change
Until the end of 2025, the current rule remains: pay the tax by the end of the month of registration. From 2026 onwards, taxpayers will have to adapt to the new date and, if possible, activate direct debit to avoid forgetfulness and fines.
It is, therefore, a measure that promises to make life easier for drivers, guarantee greater tax justice and improve the efficiency of the system. But until then, it’s worth checking on the Finance Portal to see if your payment is up to date, or if your “car seal” is about to expire.
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