Abolition of Qualifying Low Emission Car (QUALEC) Tax Rate for Company Cars

The UK government is abolishing the Qualifying Low Emission Car (QUALEC) tax rate for company cars from the 6th April 2012. It is estimated that currently around 45% of new car orders currently fall into the QUALEC tax band. This article explains what a QUALEC is and how the changes could affect company car drivers and fleet managers.

A QUALEC is defined as a car that was registered on or after 1st Jan 1998 with CO2 emissions not exceeding the statutory limit of 120 g/km. The rate of company car tax for QUALECs is 10% for 2011/12 unless the car has emissions below 75 g/km in which case the rate is 5%. For cars with zero emissions there is no charge.

On the 6th April 2012 the QUALEC category will be no more resulting in an increase in the tax rate for cars between 100 and 120 g/km. From 2013/14 the charges will increase by a further 1% for cars with emissions between 76 and 99 g/km.

From an employer's point of view, this will mean an increase in Class 1A National Insurance costs on a scale charge of cars with between 100 and 120 g/km as a result of the increase in the relevant percentage used to calculate the scale charge. The scale charge can be calculated by multiplying the list price of the car plus options, less any capital contribution from the driver, by the relevant percentage based on CO2 g/km.

From the employee point of view, drivers of cars with emissions between 100 and 120 g/km will have to pay more Benefit in Kind (BIK) tax as this is calculated using the scale charge.

These cost increases apply to all cars on the road, not just new ones that are ordered or delivered from the 2012/13 tax year.

In summary, if you're an employer with a large number of vehicles with carbon dioxide emissions of less than 120 g/km you should make sure that you're aware of how CO2 emissions effect the Class 1A National Insurance contributions for the term of the car. There are very few fleets operating entirely sub 99 g/km vehicles so it's important to take action now in order to mitigate the effects of these changes. Most company car leasing periods run for 3 or 4 years and with these changes affecting both new and existing vehicles, prompt action could prevent headaches in the near future.

Vehicle Save UK offer car rental, long and short term car leasing and contract hire to personal and business users. Vehicle Save are experts in company car leasing matters and will be happy to discuss any concerns regarding the forthcoming changes to the QUALEC leasing category.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

Choosing a Good Car Repair Company

ByAce Abbey

Getting your car fixed is akin to having dental work done - you don't necessarily want to go through it, but it has to be done. There are a variety of reasons one needs to get their car fixed, including body work caused by an accident, brake troubles or even engine problems. How you go about repairing those issues and who you choose to do the work is perhaps the most important aspect when it comes to needing some auto repairs. Looking for a few things when it comes to hiring someone to repair your car can help you choose the right person.

Perhaps the best way to decide who will perform your auto repairs is to get a referral from someone you trust. There's nothing like getting a first-hand account from someone who will give you an honest assessment of an experience he or she had when working with a company. If you trust that person's judgment, you could find yourself getting car repair work that is high-quality. To be safe, you can also contact the Better Business Bureau to see if the mechanic you are considering hiring has a good rating with them. If not, or if there's actually an unresolved complaint filed against them, you may want to hire an alternative.

You should also use your common sense when deciding which mechanic to hire for your repairs. If the mechanic doesn't sound too knowledgeable about what's going on with your car, that's a sign you don't want to ignore, because you won't get quality work. If the mechanic or his staff is rude and unprofessional, you can usually make the assumption that your business isn't appreciated with them. However, if the staff is knowledgeable, friendly and professional, there's a good chance you'll receive the kind of car repair you desire.

Generally, car dealerships have the most resources when it comes to repairing vehicles. Dealerships can often tackle and resolve problems that smaller, independent mechanics may not be able to. They may have access to special tools or parts needed to repair the car that the smaller mechanic may not have. They also have technicians that are exclusively trained to service the problems that happen with your type of car. However, you'll likely pay a premium for taking your car to a dealership. Dealerships are thirty percent more expensive than the independent mechanics and often offer warranties for their work.

Smaller, independent mechanics often charge less for their work. However, this doesn't mean that you won't get the expertise and high-quality work a car dealership will give you. Independent mechanics often have less overhead to pay than dealerships have, so they can afford to charge less for car repair. The bottom line is you need to trust your instincts and use common sense when it comes to finding someone to perform repairs on your car. If not, you may end up with low-quality work that costs you more than you can afford.

Car repair Chattanooga professionals can rely on comes from one of the oldest and most trusted names in auto garages. Drive in today at http://www.meineke-chattanooga.com/

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert