Depending on which state you are in, there is a car tax that you may be responsible for. This can include state taxes and excise taxes.
New York
Buying a new or used car in New York requires paying sales tax. Depending on the year, make, and location of the vehicle, the tax can be as high as 8%. Luckily, many dealerships offer manufacturer rebates or cash incentives to make the purchase more affordable.
Besides sales tax, New York also requires a registration fee. Registration fees vary by county. The lowest tax rates in New York are in Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties. In New York City, the tax rate is 8.88%.
Indiana
Purchasing a new or used vehicle in Indiana can lead to an unexpectedly high car tax bill. In addition to the state’s sales tax, you may also have to pay an excise tax.
Indiana taxes all vehicles purchased before any rebates or incentives are applied. It assesses a 7% sales tax on the total price of the vehicle.
For new vehicles, the sales tax is based on the manufacturer’s advertised delivered price. Dealers may offer cash incentives on the sticker price. The tax paid on the sale of the vehicle is reduced by 8.33 percent for each calendar month.
Kansas
Buying a car in Kansas can cause a heavy sales tax bill. The sales tax is based on the gross receipts and includes transportation charges. It is calculated by the Kansas Department of Revenue. The tax rates in Kansas vary by county.
There are also a number of items that are exempt from the tax. These include prepaid maintenance plans, insurance premiums, premiums paid to insure motor vehicles, and premiums for guaranteed auto protection.
In addition, a vehicle sold to a non-resident of Kansas does not have to pay sales tax. The buyer must supply proof that taxes were paid to other states. The ST-8B Affidavit of Delivery of a Motor Vehicle serves as an exemption certificate for nonresidents.
Maine
Buying a new vehicle in Maine can be an expensive proposition. This is because of the state’s sales tax on vehicle purchases. The sales tax is 5.50%, and the tax applies to both new and used vehicles.
For new vehicles, Maine’s car tax is based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, or MSRP. For used vehicles, the tax is based on the fair market value of the vehicle.
The state’s tax can add thousands of dollars to the cost of your vehicle. However, there are ways to avoid this tax. For example, you can transfer the ownership of your vehicle to a business. This will enable you to avoid the sales tax.
Mississippi
Buying a new vehicle is expensive, and the costs associated with it may include a Mississippi car tax. The state tax is not only an extra fee when you buy a car in Mississippi, but it also applies to leased vehicles. There may be other fees associated with the purchase, too.
In addition to the Mississippi state tax, there may also be local taxes. For example, residents of Mississippi may pay ad valorem taxes, based on where they live, as well as sales tax and use tax.
Colorado
Buying a car in Colorado can be a costly endeavor. The state’s sales tax, registration fees and a few other taxes can add up to hundreds of dollars. Luckily, the state has a car tax calculator that will help you estimate what you will owe. The car tax calculator is available online.
Colorado’s sales tax is 2.9% on all motor vehicles. This includes new and used vehicles. There is also a registration fee, which is based on a vehicle’s taxable value. These fees are forwarded to the Highway User Tax Fund.
Personal property tax
Whether you have a leased or a purchased vehicle, you will be assessed for personal property tax on your car. Personal property tax is an annual tax that is based on the value of your vehicle. The tax can be itemized as a deduction on your federal tax return.
Generally, personal property tax is levied as a flat percentage of the value of your vehicle. However, there are exemptions that may reduce the amount of tax you owe. You may be able to deduct your tax on Schedule A or Schedule C.
Excise tax
Several states charge excise taxes on cars. In Alaska, for example, motorists do not have to pay the tax on cars they buy for private use. Other states, such as Delaware, do not charge any tax on cars.
In the United States, the tax is based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. The government says it is necessary to fund massive infrastructure projects. However, the tax also raises the cost of cars. The bill is criticized because it would make cars less affordable and less accessible to consumers.