Associations representing the vehicle trade sector consider that the new rules announced by the government for the Single Circulation Tax (IUC), which foresee the settlement of this tax obligation always in April, will be an "added and significant" burden on companies' accounting. Just like those already in circulation, used cars for sale are also subject to IUC payment by dealership owners.

"It will represent an enormous and brutal effort, which could jeopardize the sector," considers Nuno Silva, president of the Portuguese Association of Automotive Trade, quoted by Jornal de Notícias. “Concentrating the IUC (Vehicle Tax) into fixed collection periods will constitute a serious treasury problem,” laments, in turn, the Secretary-General of the Portuguese Automobile Association, Hélder Pedro.

Last week, the government approved changes in the IUC payment in the Council of Ministers, which will now be made at the same time for all taxpayers, regardless of the month of registration. But, contrary to what was initially announced, these changes will only come into effect in 2027, and not in 2026, and the payment will be made in April, and not in February.