Can I Use My Business Van For Personal Reasons?

Vanaways
Vanaways
18th Sep 2023
Can I Use My Business Van For Personal Reasons?

If you own a business vehicle of any kind, it’s important to understand the tax rules and implications of using the vehicle for personal use. In this blog, we are going to dive into the rules and regulations regarding using a business van for personal reasons. To find out more about business cans for personal use, keep on reading!

Can I Use My Company Vehicle For Personal Use?

The short answer to this question is, yes. Technically, you can use a business van for personal reasons, however, there is a catch which is related to the tax paid on the vehicle. Personal use of a vehicle can include anything that is not related to your business, such as errands, commutes or any other kind of personal journey.

What Happens If Someone Uses A Business Vehicle For Personal Use?

If an employee, or anyone is using a company vehicle for personal use, the vehicle will become susceptible to ‘Company Van Tax’ and something called ‘Benefit In Kind’ or BIK is then paid to HMRC. Having a work van for personal use is considered a ‘benefit’ on top of your salary, which is why you must pay tax as a result.

Benefit In Kind Tax

You can find out what BIK band your vehicle sits in by checking the HMRC website to help you work out how much tax you are being charged for personal use of your business vehicle. This charge is calculated based on a few factors:

  • The value of the car
  • The CO2 emissions
  • Your own personal tax rate

The higher the value of your vehicle, or the higher the CO2 output, the higher your BIK charge will be. It’s helpful to note that you don’t have to pay the full value of BIK tax to HMRC, and the value that you pay will be based on your current tax. For example, if you currently pay 20% in tax, you will be charged 20% of the Benefit In Kind value, rather than the full amount.

If you have a diesel vehicle, you may find that your vehicle falls into a BIK band that is charged more tax, as a result of CO2 emissions.

Vanaways

Here at Vanaways, we offer a range of new, used and electric vans that could be your next purchase! From small commercial van purchase to leasing vans for business, we are sure to have the perfect vehicle for you!

To find out more about our business van leasing or vans for sale, feel free to head to our website to find out more information. Alternatively, you can contact us today to find out more about our services and how we can help you.

Vanaways Reviews

   
Steve Brown

Steve Brown

22 May 2026

"From start to finish vanaways uk nailed it love my new van from Jack selling me it to Ellie looking after my every wish perfectly done am so pleased will definitely use them again"

Lisa Partington

Lisa Partington

29 May 2026

"We cannot fault the service we have received from everyone we have dealt with at Vanaways and will definitely by contacting you again when we come to replace our next vehicle……. On the whole, Customer service, these days, I have found to be quite disappointing and frustrating – I wish more companies showed the care and attention to detail that you guys have shown… you have restored my faith in Vehicle sales teams!! I would not hesitate in recommending you and wish all of our suppliers were are easy to deal with as you have been!! Thankyou especially to Shina and Sophie...."

Simon Grave

Simon Grave

18 July 2026

"An absolutely brilliant company to deal with. Every part of getting my new vehicle was easy. Great communication process and always kept updated at every stage. Big thank you to Jacob and also everyone else who I spoke to and can’t remember their names, all great to deal with. Thank you"

John Owens

John Owens

14 April 2026

"Fantastic service from start to finish. This is the second vehicle we have had from Liam.Liam took the time to listen to the vehicle that I wanted, sourced exactly what I wanted. Within 2 weeks the right vehicle was sourced and delivered Joe was amazing kept me up to date with the progress, the van was delivered this morning early. highly recommend these guys for vehicles Thank you both"

4.8 out of 5 from 510 reviews
Back to top