Virginia Car Sales Tax Calculator – Fast, Free & Accurate

What Is Virginia’s Car Sales and Use Tax (SUT)?

Virginia charges a 4.15% Sales and Use Tax on motor vehicles. This tax is based on the greater of two values:

• The vehicle’s purchase price
• The NADA Clean Trade-in Value (a standard used car valuation guide)

From this number, the state subtracts your trade-in allowance (if you’re trading in another vehicle).

If the calculated tax is less than $75, Virginia applies a minimum tax of $75.

So even if you’re buying a low-cost vehicle, you’ll always pay at least that minimum.

Why Do You Need a Car Sales Tax Calculator?

Doing this math by hand isn’t fun, and mistakes can cost you. A Virginia Car Sales Tax Calculator makes the process simple:

• Enter your vehicle price
• Enter the NADA value
• Enter your trade-in value
• Click “Calculate”

The calculator automatically applies the correct rules:

• It chooses the higher of the purchase price or NADA value
• It subtracts trade-in credits
• It applies Virginia’s 4.15% tax rate
• It ensures the $75 minimum is respected

Within seconds, you’ll see your taxable basis, net taxable amount, and final estimated tax.

Example: How the Tax Works

Let’s say you’re buying a car in Virginia for $30,000. The NADA value is $31,000, and you’re trading in a vehicle worth $8,000.

1. The calculator picks the higher number: $31,000 (NADA value).
2. Subtract the trade-in: $31,000 – $8,000 = $23,000.
3. Apply the tax: $23,000 × 4.15% = $954.50.
4. Compare to the minimum tax: since $954.50 is higher than $75, your total tax is $954.50.

Without a calculator, it’s easy to get this wrong—especially with the NADA value rule and the $75 minimum.

Features of the Virginia Car Sales Tax Calculator

This calculator isn’t just a quick math tool—it’s designed for clarity and usability:

• Simple input fields for vehicle price, NADA value, and trade-in allowance
• Automatic error handling (e.g., missing or invalid numbers)
• Clear result display showing taxable basis, net taxable, calculated tax, and total tax
• Reset button to start fresh with new numbers

It’s mobile-friendly and works right in your browser—no downloads, no spreadsheets.

Tips for Using the Calculator Effectively

• Always check the NADA Clean Trade-in Value. Dealers often use this figure, and it may be higher than the purchase price.
• If you’re trading in a car, enter the correct allowance to reduce your taxable amount.
• Remember that fees like registration or processing are not included—this calculator only estimates the Virginia sales tax.