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Buying & FinancingCar Sales Tax & Out-the-Door Price Calculator
The sticker isn’t what you pay. Enter the price, your combined sales-tax rate, and any dealer fees to see the tax and the real out-the-door total.
How this calculator works
Sales tax is your combined state and local rate applied to the price; we add it to the price and your dealer/title fees for the out-the-door total. Enter your own rate — it varies widely by state and even by county, and some places tax the price after a trade-in.
What changes the number
- Rates vary a lot — from 0% in a few states to over 9% with local add-ons. Use your actual combined rate.
- Many states tax the price after subtracting a trade-in, which can cut the tax noticeably.
- Doc/dealer fees are separate from tax and differ by dealer and state — ask for them in writing.
Frequently asked questions
What sales tax rate should I enter?
Your combined state + local rate where the car is registered. A quick search for “[your city] car sales tax” will give it; it’s often different from the general retail rate.
Does a trade-in reduce sales tax?
In most states, yes — you’re taxed on the price minus the trade-in value. A few states tax the full price. Check your state’s rule.
Are dealer fees taxable?
It depends on the state and the fee. Documentation fees are often taxed; government title/registration fees usually aren’t. This calculator simply adds fees on top of the taxed price.