Estimate the sales tax or VAT on your car purchase — by US state or European country — including trade-in deductions and total out-of-pocket cost.
Enter your purchase information
Base state rate: 6.25% — local taxes may apply
Reduces taxable amount in most states
Manufacturer rebates, dealer discounts
Registration, doc fees, title, dealer prep
Enter a purchase price above to see your tax estimate
Car tax is one of the biggest hidden costs of buying a vehicle. Whether you're in the US (sales tax) or Europe (VAT), this calculator shows your full out-of-pocket cost before you sign anything.
Choose your region, select your state or country, enter the vehicle price, and optionally add a trade-in, rebates, and fees. The calculator applies the correct tax rate and shows your complete cost instantly.
In most states, the value of a traded-in vehicle is deducted from the purchase price before sales tax is applied. If your state offers this benefit, entering a trade-in value can meaningfully lower your tax bill.
Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon have no state sales tax on vehicle purchases.
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Car sales tax is calculated by multiplying the taxable amount by your state's sales tax rate. The taxable amount is typically the purchase price minus any trade-in credit. For example, if you buy a $30,000 car, trade in a vehicle worth $5,000, and live in a state with 6% tax, you pay tax on $25,000 = $1,500 in sales tax.
In most US states, yes — trading in a vehicle reduces the taxable purchase price. This is called the "trade-in tax credit." However, states like California, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, and Virginia do not offer this deduction. This calculator applies the trade-in deduction by default.
It depends on your state. In many states, manufacturer rebates and dealer incentives are deducted before tax is applied. In others (like California and Georgia), tax is calculated on the full price before the rebate. This calculator applies rebates before tax, which is the most common approach — verify your state's rules to be sure.
This tool shows the base state sales tax rate. Most states also allow counties and cities to add their own local taxes on top of the state rate. For example, California's base rate is 7.25% but many cities charge 9%–10.75% total. Always confirm the final rate with your dealer or county tax office.
Common fees added to car purchases include: dealer documentation fees ($100–$900), registration and title transfer fees, license plate fees, inspection or emissions fees, and dealer preparation charges. These fees are generally not taxed the same way as the vehicle price — some are taxable, some are not. Enter the total of all extra charges for a full out-of-pocket estimate.
Five US states have no state sales tax at all: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon. If you purchase a vehicle in one of these states, you pay $0 in state sales tax — though local taxes may apply in some areas of Alaska.