Auto Loan Calculators
Vehicle Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate sales tax, registration and fees on a vehicle purchase, including the effect of a trade-in allowance.
Sales tax
$1,690
- Total out-the-door cost
- $28,240
- Taxable amount
- $26,000
- Tax saved by trade-in credit
- $520
How this calculator works
Tax = (price − trade-in credit) × rate; total = price − trade-in + tax + fees
- trade-in credit
- many jurisdictions tax only the difference
Example calculation
Illustrative example — not advice
Worked example — the vehicle sales tax calculator as it loads, using the default figures below.
- 01Enter vehicle price: $34,000.
- 02Enter trade-in allowance: $8,000.
- 03Enter sales tax rate: 6.5%.
- 04Enter registration and documentation fees: $550.
- 05Enter trade-in reduces taxable amount: Yes.
- 06Read the sales tax from the results panel: $1,690.
Sales tax: $1,690. Total out-the-door cost: $28,240. Taxable amount: $26,000. Tax saved by trade-in credit: $520.
These figures come straight from the calculator above running on the values listed, so you can retype them and confirm every number yourself. Change any input and the results update immediately. Illustrative only — not a quote, offer or recommendation.
Important considerations
- Rules on trade-in credit differ sharply between jurisdictions.
- Dealer documentation fees may themselves be taxable.
Related calculators
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- Auto Loan CalculatorMonthly vehicle payment after deposit, trade-in, tax and fees.
- Lease vs Buy CalculatorTotal cost of leasing against buying.
- Auto Loan Amortization CalculatorFull month-by-month car loan schedule.
- Car Depreciation CalculatorVehicle value year by year.
- Auto Loan Payoff CalculatorEarly payoff date and interest saved.
Terms used here
Frequently asked questions
Is tax charged on the full price?
Often only on the price after a trade-in allowance, which can be worth hundreds.
Disclaimer
Legamoney calculators are educational tools. Results are estimates based on the figures you enter and do not constitute financial, tax or legal advice.
Last reviewed 2026-08-01