Car sales tax calculator by state
Work out the real out-the-door cost of a car: sales tax at your local rate, trade-in credit, title, registration and plate fees — every number taken from the state's own tax and DMV sources.
Pick your state
Car sales tax and fees compared
| State | Sales tax rate | Trade-in lowers tax | Tax on $35,000 | Title, registration & plates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 6.25% | Yes | $2,188 | $129 |
| California | 7.25%–11.75% | No | $3,588 | $578 |
| Florida | 6% + up to 2% county surtax | Yes | $2,150 | $374 |
| New York | 7%–8.875% | Yes | $3,106 | $212 |
| Pennsylvania | 6%–8% | Yes | $2,100 | $120 |
New car from a dealer, no trade-in, registered in Los Angeles, Miami-Dade County, New York City where local rates apply; dealer fees not included.
What goes into the out-the-door price
- Sales tax — a state rate, sometimes plus a county or city rate. Most states tax the price after a trade-in.
- Title fee — puts the car in your name ($15 to $85 in the states covered here).
- Registration and plates — flat, by weight or by value depending on the state; some states add one-time fees the first time you register.
- Dealer documentation fee — set by the dealer; a few states cap it.
Questions
What is included in tax, title and license (TTL)?
TTL is the state sales tax on the car (plus any local tax), the title fee, the registration fee and the license plate fee. Dealers often add a documentation fee on top; it is a dealer charge, not a government fee.
Is car sales tax based on where I live or where I buy?
In most states it is where the car will be registered — your home address. California, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania all use the rate of the registration address, so buying in a cheaper county does not lower the tax.
Does a trade-in reduce car sales tax?
In Texas, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania, yes: tax is charged on the price minus the trade-in when the dealer takes your old car. California is an exception and taxes the full price.
More states are added every week. Rates and fees are re-checked against official sources; see methodology.