Is it mandatory to pay the vehicle and vessel tax?
2 Answers
It is mandatory to pay. According to tax regulations, the vehicle and vessel tax for auto insurance must be paid annually, with the declaration and payment period from January 1st to December 31st each year. Payment for the current year can be made before December 31st, and late payments will incur late fees. Below is relevant information: 1. Vehicle and Vessel Tax: Also known as the vehicle and vessel usage tax. It is a usage tax levied on vehicles traveling on public roads and vessels navigating domestic rivers, lakes, or territorial ports, calculated based on their type (e.g., motor vehicles, non-motor vehicles, passenger cars, trucks, etc.), tonnage, and specified tax rates. 2. Payment Standards: The payment standards for vehicle and vessel tax vary by region and vehicle type. For example, the standards for trucks, sedans, and buses differ. Additionally, if vehicle owners need to inquire about the vehicle and vessel usage tax, insurance companies will calculate the tax when auto insurance is purchased.
I believe the vehicle and vessel tax must be paid. Having driven for over a decade, I have considerable experience in this matter. Insurance companies collect this tax on our behalf mainly for convenience, but it is actually a mandatory state tax. Not paying it is just like evading personal income tax—it's illegal. Last year, my neighbor forgot to pay it and got stuck during insurance renewal, having to pay an additional fine of several hundred yuan. As a result, they couldn’t pass the annual inspection and almost couldn’t use their car. This tax is specifically used for road and bridge construction and maintaining road safety—paying it makes driving safer for everyone. Now, whenever I buy insurance, I carefully check the policy to confirm the tax has been successfully paid, avoiding future hassles. People might be too busy with work to pay attention, but this small amount shouldn’t be skipped. Paying it benefits both yourself and society. If caught, not only will you face fines, but your vehicle might also be suspended.
