Vehicle ownership comes with a few certainties, and for many, an annual tax is one of them. In Portugal, this is called the Imposto Único de Circulação, or IUC. Most folks know it simply as the “car sticker” tax. It’s a fee you pay each year just for owning a vehicle, whether it’s a car, motorcycle, heavy truck, recreational boat, or even a private aircraft. You keep paying it until your vehicle is officially taken off the road.
Good news for vehicle owners is on the horizon. The Government has approved new rules that will change how this tax is paid. These updates are part of an effort to make the tax system simpler for everyone. The new payment calendar begins in 2026.
Before these changes, the deadline for your IUC payment varied. It used to depend on the exact date your vehicle was first registered. This often led to people forgetting to pay. It also resulted in many unexpected fines.
New IUC Payment Schedule
Starting January 1, 2026, the payment rules for the IUC will be much clearer. They are designed to make things easier for everyone. Now, all taxpayers will have payment deadlines that are both uniform and predictable.
Here’s how the new system works:
- If your IUC bill is €100 or less, you must pay the full amount by the end of February.
- If your IUC bill is more than €100, you have the option to split it. You can pay it in two equal parts. The first payment is due in February, and the second in October.
Paying your IUC is simple. You must complete the payment through the Tax Portal website. Log into your personal area on the portal. Once there, you can get your payment notice. This notice will include a reference number. You can use this number to pay at an ATM or through your online banking service.
It’s always wise to pay on time. If you miss your deadline, you will face fines. These penalties start at €25. The amount can increase the longer your payment is delayed.