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Vermont Car Sales Tax Calculator

Vermont doesn't charge regular sales tax on a vehicle. Instead it charges a Purchase and Use Tax of 6% on the price or the vehicle's fair market value, whichever is greater, after a like-kind trade-in credit. Enter your numbers to see the estimate.

Last reviewed: October 3, 2026Reviewed by Michael Steve

Calculate Your Vermont Car Sales Tax

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The selling price on your buyer’s order.

What the dealer credits you.

State
VermontChange state

Condition

Vermont's Purchase and Use Tax applies to the price or fair market value of the vehicle, which typically includes dealer fees.

Advanced options

Enter your own amounts where you know them. They replace our estimates.

Replaces the state estimate.

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Plates, inspections, add-ons.

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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
Purchase and Use Tax (6%)
$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 Vermont Car Sales Tax

    Purchase and Use Tax6%
    Local taxNone on vehicles
    Trade-inLowers taxable price
    Dealer feeTaxed with the price; limit not confirmed

    In place of sales tax, Vermont charges a Purchase and Use Tax of 6% when you buy a new or used vehicle, applied to the price or the vehicle's current fair market value, whichever is greater. On a $25,000 purchase with no trade-in, that comes to $1,500.00.

    You may be able to take a like-kind trade-in credit allowed by the seller to arrive at the amount subject to the tax, the same way a trade-in lowers the taxable price in most sales-tax states.

    A new Vermont resident who already paid an equal or greater sales or use tax on the vehicle in another state, or who registered it there for at least three years, can be exempt from paying it again.

    Vermont Car Title and Registration Fees

    Vermont's title fee is $42, paid to the Department of Motor Vehicles along with the Purchase and Use Tax. A standard gas or diesel automobile's registration is $91 for one year or $167 for two years; other fuel types and vehicle weights are priced differently, so enter your own registration amount under Advanced options if yours differs.

    FeeAmountNotes
    Title feeTitle$42.00The fee for a new, replacement or corrected Certificate of Title on a car, truck, trailer or motorcycle.
    Registration feeRegistrationVariesA standard gas or diesel automobile is $91 for one year or $167 for two years; other fuel types and vehicle weights are priced differently. Enter your amount under Advanced options.
    Dealer documentation feeSet by the dealerVariesWe have not confirmed a specific Vermont dollar limit on the dealer documentation fee.

    How Vermont Car Sales Tax Is Calculated

    1. Start with the purchase price, or the vehicle's fair market value if that's greater.
    2. Subtract your like-kind trade-in credit.
    3. Multiply the result by the Purchase and Use Tax rate of 6%.
    4. Add the $42 title fee and your registration fee (around $91 for one year on a standard gas or diesel auto) to reach your out-the-door price.

    Because the tax can be based on fair market value rather than your negotiated price, a private-party purchase priced well under market value may still be taxed on the higher figure.

    Because the tax can apply to fair market value rather than your negotiated price, keep your bill of sale in case Vermont's DMV needs to see it. Check the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles for current title and registration fees. Read how a trade-in affects sales tax to see how Vermont's Purchase and Use Tax compares with other states.

    Example Vermont Car Sales Tax Calculation

    This example assumes the negotiated price is accepted as the tax base, without a fair-market-value adjustment.

    Vehicle price$25,000.00
    Trade-in−$5,000.00
    Taxable amount$20,000.00
    Purchase and Use Tax (6%)$1,200.00
    Title fee$42.00
    Registration feeNot included
    Estimated total$21,242.00

    This is an illustration, not a quote.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont Car Sales Tax

    Does Vermont charge sales tax on a car?

    Not regular sales tax. Vermont charges a Purchase and Use Tax of 6% instead, on the price or the vehicle's fair market value, whichever is greater.

    Does a trade-in reduce Vermont's Purchase and Use Tax?

    Yes, through a like-kind trade-in credit allowed by the seller, which is subtracted before the tax is calculated.

    Can a new Vermont resident avoid paying the tax again?

    Yes, if they already paid an equal or greater sales or use tax on the vehicle in another state, or registered it there for at least three years, and can show proof.

    How much is the title fee in Vermont?

    $42 for a new, replacement or corrected Certificate of Title on a car, truck, trailer or motorcycle. Registration is separate: $91 for one year or $167 for two years on a standard gas or diesel automobile.

    Sources

    Taxes and fees change, so confirm exact amounts with the agencies above.

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