Utah Car Sales Tax Calculator
Estimate the tax on a vehicle purchase. The rate includes the 4.85% state tax plus the local county tax.
Why You Need a Utah Car Sales Tax Calculator
Car prices already stretch budgets. The last thing you want is to be surprised at the DMV or dealership when taxes are added. That’s where a calculator comes in handy.
- It gives you a clear breakdown of state and local tax.
- It factors in trade-in value, so you only pay tax on the net price.
- It helps you compare costs across counties before deciding where to register your car.
In short, the calculator saves you time, money, and guesswork.
How Utah Car Sales Tax Works
Here’s the basic formula behind the tax:
Taxable Amount = Vehicle Price – Trade-In Value
From there, taxes are added on two levels:
- State Sales Tax (4.85%) – This rate applies everywhere in Utah.
- County Tax (varies by county) – Each county adds its own percentage. For example:
- Cache County: 2.15%
- Davis County: 2.40%
- Salt Lake County: 2.40%
- Utah County: 2.40%
- Washington County: 1.90%
- Weber County: 2.40%
That means your final tax rate could be anywhere between 6.75% and 7.25%, depending on your county.
How to Use the Utah Car Sales Tax Calculator
Our calculator is designed to be fast and simple:
- Enter the vehicle price (the total cost of the car before trade-ins).
- Add your trade-in value (if you’re trading in an old car).
- Select your county of registration.
- Click “Calculate Tax.”
The tool will instantly show:
- Your taxable amount (net price).
- The state tax amount.
- The county tax amount.
- The total estimated sales tax you’ll need to pay.
If you need to start over, just hit the Reset button.
Example Calculation
Let’s say you buy a car for $31,000 in Salt Lake County and trade in a car worth $8,500:
- Vehicle Price: $31,000
- Trade-In Value: $8,500
- Net Taxable Price: $22,500
Taxes:
- State Tax (4.85%): $1,091.25
- Local Tax (2.40%): $540.00
- Total Estimated Tax: $1,631.25
So, your final tax bill would be $1,631.25.
Tips for Car Buyers in Utah
- Always factor in tax before setting your budget. That “$30,000 car” may actually cost closer to $32,000 after tax and fees.
- Use your trade-in wisely. Since trade-ins reduce your taxable amount, they can lower your sales tax bill significantly.
- Double-check your county rate. If you move counties or register in a different location, your tax rate can change.
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