Car Sales Tax Calculator – Estimate Your Vehicle Tax by State in 2025
Wonder how much sales tax you have to pay when buying a car in your state in 2025? Our Car Sales Tax Calculator will help you estimate your vehicle tax by state and whether you are buying from a dealership, a private seller or even out-of-state
And If you are from Southeast Asia then you can also check out our Road Tax Calculator for local vehicle tax estimates
Just enter your vehicle price, choose your state and optionally include your trade-in value, vehicle type and other details. The calculator gives you an instant estimate based on the latest car sales tax rates across all 50 U.S. states
Car Sales Tax Calculator (U.S 2025)
Estimate car sales tax based on vehicle price, trade-in value, location, vehicle type, age, MPG, and weight.
How Car Sales Tax is Calculated by State
Car sales tax varies by state, with some charging only state-level tax and others adding county and city-level tax rates. In some states, like Georgia, the sales tax has been replaced with Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT), while others like North Carolina charge a Highway Use Tax instead.
In states such as Montana, Oregon, Delaware, and New Hampshire, no car sales tax is applied at all — making them popular choices for out-of-state car purchases.
Key Facts About Car Sales Tax
Here are some important things to learn about car sales tax in the U.S:
Sales tax on vehicles varies significantly by state — ranging from 0% to over 10%
Some states charge only state tax, while others include local or county-level taxes
Trade-in values can often be deducted before calculating the tax
Luxury vehicles may be taxed at a higher rate (e.g., Connecticut taxes cars over $50,000 at 7.75%)
A few states (like Georgia) use Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) instead of traditional sales tax
Special State Rules
Some states have unique vehicle tax systems that you should know about:
California has some of the highest combined state and local vehicle sales tax rates.
Georgia uses a TAVT system that replaces sales tax and is based on the vehicle’s fair market value.
Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire, and Delaware don’t charge any state sales tax on vehicles.
South Carolina caps the vehicle sales tax at $500 regardless of the car’s price.
North Carolina doesn’t use traditional sales tax but instead applies a Highway Use Tax (HUT) of 3%.
Why Use This Calculator?
Our calculator is built to be:
Simple – no complicated forms or DMV lookups
Accurate – based on the latest 2025 sales tax rates across all 50 states + D.C.
Helpful – includes notes on special tax rules for each state
Whether you’re buying from a dealership, private seller, or even out-of-state, knowing your tax obligation helps you budget better and avoid unexpected DMV costs
Note: This tool is for informational purposes only. State and local tax rates can change frequently. Always verify exact amounts with your local DMV or state revenue office before making a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a car sales tax calculator?
It’s a tool that estimates the sales tax you’ll pay when purchasing a vehicle, based on your state’s rate and the car’s value
Does this calculator include local taxes?
Yes. We include local tax rates where applicable, and show any unique notes per state
Do trade-ins affect sales tax?
In many states, yes — trade-in value can reduce the taxable amount. Check your local rules
What states don’t charge car sales tax?
Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire, and Delaware have no statewide sales tax