Methodology and sources

Every rate and fee comes from a state statute, revenue department or motor vehicle agency. Nothing is copied from other calculators.

How the calculator works

• Each state has its own formula: which amount is taxed (price, price minus trade-in, or a presumptive value), which local rate applies, and which title, registration and plate fees are due for a new purchase.
• The parameters for each state (rates, fees, caps) are stored separately from the formulas, with the date they were checked and the source of each number. Automated tests check every formula against hand-worked examples.
• Results show what you pay to the state and county when you buy and register a car, plus the dealer fee you enter. Optional items (specialty plates, county donations, inspections done at a station, extended warranties) are not included.
• Fees that we could not confirm from an official source are left out of the totals and mentioned in notes instead.

Limits

• Estimates only. Your county tax office or DMV calculates the exact amount, and dealers may round or add charges.
• Special cases — leases, commercial vehicles, military and disability exemptions, family transfers — are not covered unless the page says so.

Sources by state

About and corrections

CarSalesTax.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with any government agency. If you find a rate or fee that has changed, email hi@carsalestax.com with the source; we check it and update the site.