Virginia Car Sales Tax Calculator
Virginia sales tax is 4.15%, calculated on the greater of the vehicle price or NADA value minus trade-in allowance. There is a minimum tax of $75.
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.
- The calculator picks the higher number: $31,000 (NADA value).
- Subtract the trade-in: $31,000 – $8,000 = $23,000.
- Apply the tax: $23,000 × 4.15% = $954.50.
- 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.
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