DMVCosts

Car Sales Tax Calculator by state

Vehicle sales tax is the single biggest fee in any car purchase, and the rules differ wildly: five states charge nothing, some charge a flat state rate, others stack county and city districts on top. The details decide real money - whether trade-ins reduce your taxable base, whether private sales get compared against a state 'book value', and whether gifting to family skips the tax entirely.

Choose your state for its exact calculation, including the traps: Texas's 80%-of-SPV floor on private sales, California's missing trade-in credit, and the family-gift exemptions most states hide in an affidavit form.

Range
0% – 10.75%
Zero-tax states
AK, DE, MT, NH, OR
Private-sale value floors
TX (SPV), and others
Family gifts
Free or ~$10 in most states

01 - Choose your state

Live, verified calculators

Every figure is checked against official DMV, tax-office, or comptroller sources - with the sources linked on the page.

02 - The basics

Car Sales Tax basics

Is sales tax charged on used cars from private sellers?

In almost every state with a sales tax, yes - collected when you title/register, not at the handshake. Several states also enforce a minimum 'book value' basis so a $500 declared price on a $10,000 car doesn't dodge the tax.

Does trading in my car reduce the tax?

In most states the tax applies to price minus trade-in - worth $600+ on a typical deal. The big exception is California (no credit at all); a few others cap the credit. Each state page spells out its rule.

Which relatives can receive a car tax-free?

Typically spouse, parents/children, grandparents/grandchildren, and siblings - via a gift affidavit (Texas: $10 flat; California: fully exempt with REG 256). Cousins, in-laws, and partners usually don't qualify, and 'selling for $1' rarely beats the official gift route.

03 - Keep going

Every vehicle cost, covered