How to Calculate Car Tax Easily and Accurately

Owning a private vehicle such as a car certainly brings convenience and flexibility to your daily activities. However, behind this comfort lies a responsibility that you must routinely fulfil one of which is paying car tax. Unfortunately, not all vehicle owners understand how to correctly calculate car tax.

Understanding the components and calculation method for car tax can help you avoid payment errors and manage your finances more wisely. To learn how, read this article to the end!

The Amount of Car Tax You Need to Pay

Before diving into the technical calculations, it's important to know that the vehicle tax system in Indonesia is progressive. This means the more vehicles registered under your name, the higher the tax rate imposed.

For the first vehicle, the Motor Vehicle Tax (PKB) rate is 2% of the Motor Vehicle Sales Value (NJKB). If you own a second vehicle, the rate increases to 2.5%, and for every additional vehicle, the rate goes up by another 0.5%.

For example, if you own two cars, each with a sales value of IDR 200 million, then:

• First car tax = 2% × IDR 200,000,000 = IDR 4,000,000

• Second car tax = 2.5% × IDR 200,000,000 = IDR 5,000,000

Note that the vehicle’s sales value may differ from market prices, as the government uses values set by the Regional Revenue Office (Dispenda), not dealer prices.

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How to Calculate Car Tax

To accurately calculate your car tax, follow the steps below carefully:

Calculating Car Tax for the First Time

When you buy a new car, the first tax payment is usually higher because it includes several additional components, such as:

• Vehicle Ownership Transfer Fee (BBN KB)

• Motor Vehicle Tax (PKB)

• Compulsory Road Traffic Accident Fund Contribution (SWDKLLJ)

• Vehicle Registration Number Plate (TNKB) administration fee

• STNK validation and issuance fee

Let’s look at an example calculation for a car with a sales value of IDR 250 million:

• BBN KB: 10% × IDR 250,000,000 = IDR 25,000,000

• PKB: 2% × IDR 250,000,000 = IDR 5,000,000

• SWDKLLJ: IDR 143,000

• TNKB administration fee: IDR 100,000

• STNK validation: IDR 50,000

• STNK issuance: IDR 200,000

Total first-time car tax = IDR 25,000,000 + IDR 5,000,000 + IDR 143,000 + IDR 100,000 + IDR 50,000 + IDR 200,000 = IDR 30,493,000

This amount is quite significant, but the good news is that this payment only occurs once when the car is first registered.

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Calculating Annual Car Tax

After the first year, paying car tax becomes simpler. You only need to consider the following components:

• PKB: 2% of the current vehicle sales value (which depreciates annually)

• SWDKLLJ: IDR 143,000

• Administration fee: IDR 50,000

For instance, if your car's sales value drops to IDR 220 million in the second year:

• PKB = 2% × IDR 220,000,000 = IDR 4,400,000

• SWDKLLJ = IDR 143,000

• Administration = IDR 50,000

• Total annual tax = IDR 4,593,000

Keep in mind that the vehicle value decreases each year, meaning your PKB will also decrease over time benefiting you with lower tax payments, unless there’s a rate increase from the local government.

Calculating 5-Year STNK Renewal Costs

Every five years, you're required to renew your vehicle registration (STNK), which also includes replacing your license plates. This process is slightly more expensive due to the following added costs:

• PKB: 2% of current NJKB

• SWDKLLJ: IDR 143,000

• Administration fee: IDR 50,000

• STNK validation: IDR 50,000

• STNK issuance: IDR 200,000

• TNKB administration: IDR 100,000

For example, if your vehicle's sales value at the time is IDR 200 million:

• PKB = 2% × IDR 200,000,000 = IDR 4,000,000

• Additional costs = IDR 543,000

• Total 5-year STNK renewal tax = IDR 4,543,000

This process is mandatory to maintain your vehicle’s legal status and extend the validity of your license plates.

How to Pay Car Tax Online

In today's digital era, there's no need to queue at the Samsat office. The government has launched an app called SIGNAL (Samsat Digital Nasional), which allows you to pay vehicle tax online easily.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Download the SIGNAL App

Available on both Google PlayStore and App Store. Once installed, register an account by entering your name, NIK (ID number), email, phone number, and create a password.

2. Log In and Add Vehicle Data

Log in using your phone number and password. Then, add your vehicle by entering the Vehicle Registration Number (NRKB) and the last 5 digits of your vehicle’s chassis number.

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3. Select the Vehicle to Pay Tax

Go to the STNK validation menu, select the vehicle, and the system will display the tax details including PKB and SWDKLLJ. Click "Next" to proceed to payment.

4. Choose a Payment Method

The SIGNAL app will show a payment code and tax amount. You can select a bank such as BCA, Mandiri, or BNI, and follow the payment instructions provided.

5. Choose Document Delivery Option

Once the payment is successful, you can either have the documents delivered to your home via courier or pick them up at the Samsat office. Make sure to enter your delivery details accurately to ensure timely arrival.

6. Track Delivery Status

Use the "Track" feature in the SIGNAL app to monitor the delivery of your E-TBPKB (Proof of Payment Document). Delivery usually takes 5–7 business days.

Understanding how to calculate car tax is crucial so that you can prepare funds properly and avoid surprises when the bill comes due. Car tax involves different components for first-time payments, annual renewals, and every five years.

If you’re looking for efficiency in tax payments, using the SIGNAL app is a smart choice since you can manage everything from home without the need to queue at Samsat.

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