Massachusetts Car Sales Tax Calculator
Estimate Massachusetts’s 6.25% sales tax on a vehicle purchase. The tax is applied to the net price after the trade-in value has been deducted.
How Car Sales Tax Works in Massachusetts
- Tax rate: 6.25% statewide
- Taxable amount: Vehicle purchase price minus any trade-in value
- Who collects it: The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) when you register your car
Example:
- Vehicle price: $35,000
- Trade-in value: $8,500
- Taxable amount = $35,000 – $8,500 = $26,500
- Sales tax = 6.25% of $26,500 = $1,656.25
This system lowers the tax burden if you trade in your old car.
Use the Massachusetts Car Sales Tax Calculator
Here’s the tool you can use right now:
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How to use it:
- Enter the purchase price of the car.
- Enter your trade-in value (if you have one).
- Click “Calculate Tax.”
- Instantly see:
- The taxable amount after trade-in
- The estimated sales tax owed
If you make a mistake, just hit “Reset.”
Why This Calculator Matters
Car shopping is exciting, but costs add up quickly. Sales tax is often overlooked until the last minute. Our Massachusetts Car Sales Tax Calculator helps you:
- Plan your budget before heading to the dealership
- Avoid surprises when it’s time to register the car
- Compare deals if you’re debating trade-in vs. private sale
- Save time by skipping the math yourself
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay sales tax on private car sales in Massachusetts?
Yes. Even if you buy from a private seller, the RMV will charge you 6.25% sales tax based on the purchase price or fair market value.
What if I bought my car out of state?
If you bring the vehicle into Massachusetts, you’ll still pay the 6.25% tax when registering it here.
Is there any way to avoid car sales tax in MA?
Not really. The only exceptions are transfers between immediate family members and certain government or nonprofit exemptions.
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