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Massachusetts Car Sales Tax Calculator

The Massachusetts car sales tax calculator applies the 6.25% sales tax on a vehicle, with no local sales tax on top. When you buy from a Massachusetts dealer, a trade-in lowers the taxable price if the state's conditions are met. Enter your numbers below to see the estimate.

Calculate Your Massachusetts Car Sales Tax

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The selling price on your buyer’s order.

What the dealer credits you.

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MassachusettsChange state

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Estimated out-the-door price

$0.00

Enter a vehicle price to see your estimate.

Vehicle price
$0.00
Trade-in
—
Taxable amount
$0.00
State sales tax (6.25%)
$0.00
Title fee
$0.00
Registration fee
$0.00
Dealer / documentation fee
—
Estimated total
$0.00
How this estimate was calculated

    Estimates are for informational purposes only. Actual taxes and fees may vary based on your location, vehicle, transaction and current state rules.

    Estimated Massachusetts Car Sales Tax

    State rate6.25%
    Local taxNone on vehicles
    Trade-inLowers taxable price
    Dealer feeLimit not confirmed

    Massachusetts charges a flat 6.25% on a vehicle, or $1,562.50 on a $25,000 purchase with no trade-in, and there is no local sales tax on top.

    When you buy from a Massachusetts dealer, the taxable price is reduced by the trade-in allowance if the requirements in the state regulation are met, such as proof that tax was paid on the traded-in vehicle. The calculator assumes they are met.

    Massachusetts Car Title and Registration Fees

    The RMV lists a $75 certificate of title fee and $60 for passenger plate registration. Other plate types cost different amounts, and the registration period should be confirmed on the RMV fee schedule.

    FeeAmountNotes
    Certificate of title feeTitle$75.00The RMV's fee for a certificate of title.
    Passenger plate registration feeRegistration$60.00The RMV schedule lists passenger plates at $60. Other plate types cost different amounts.
    Dealer documentation feeSet by the dealerVariesWe have not confirmed a Massachusetts dollar limit or tax rule for dealer document and title preparation fees. Check each line on the buyer's order.

    How Massachusetts Car Sales Tax Is Calculated

    1. Start with the purchase price from the dealer.
    2. Subtract the trade-in allowance if the state's requirements are met.
    3. Multiply the result by the state rate of 6.25%.
    4. Add the $75 certificate of title fee and the $60 passenger plate fee.
    5. Add any dealer fee to reach your out-the-door price.

    You also pay an annual motor vehicle excise tax to the city or town where the vehicle is garaged. It is billed separately after registration, and it is not part of this estimate.

    A private-party purchase is taxed at 6.25% of the price or the NADA trade-in value, whichever is higher. This calculator models dealer purchases.

    With one statewide sales tax rate, the tax on this page is the same wherever you register in Massachusetts. We have not confirmed a dollar limit on dealer document and title preparation fees, so check each line on the buyer's order. To see how Massachusetts compares on trade-ins, read how a trade-in affects sales tax.

    Example Massachusetts Car Sales Tax Calculation

    This example is a dealer purchase with a trade-in that meets the state's conditions.

    Vehicle price$30,000.00
    Trade-in−$8,000.00
    Taxable amount$22,000.00
    State sales tax (6.25%)$1,375.00
    Title fee$75.00
    Registration fee$60.00
    Estimated total$23,510.00

    This is an illustration, not a quote.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts Car Sales Tax

    What is the car sales tax rate in Massachusetts?

    The rate is 6.25%. For a private-party purchase it applies to the purchase price or the NADA trade-in value, whichever is higher.

    Does a trade-in reduce Massachusetts sales tax?

    Yes, on a purchase from a Massachusetts dealer, when the conditions in 830 CMR 64H.25.1 are met. The taxable price is reduced by the gross trade-in allowance.

    What is the Massachusetts motor vehicle excise?

    It is a yearly tax on registered vehicles. The RMV generates the bill and you pay the city or town where the vehicle is garaged within 30 days of the bill's issue date. It is separate from sales tax.

    How much are title and registration in Massachusetts?

    The RMV lists a $75 certificate of title fee. Registration fees vary by plate type, and the schedule lists passenger plates at $60.

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