When you purchase a vehicle in Georgia, you are subject to sales and use tax. This tax is typically calculated at the county level, with rates varying across the state. The Georgia Department of Revenue oversees these collections. This calculator helps you estimate the sales tax you might pay on your new or used vehicle purchase.
How Georgia Auto Tax is Calculated:
The sales tax in Georgia is levied on the retail price of the vehicle. The specific rate is a combination of the state rate (4%) and the local option sales tax (LOST) rate, which can vary significantly by county. The total tax rate can range from 4% up to 8.9% depending on the county where the vehicle is registered.
The taxable base for the sales tax is generally the purchase price of the vehicle minus any trade-in value allowed by the dealer. Some fees, such as specific dealer-added services that are not part of the vehicle's core sale, might be considered non-taxable. However, many common add-ons like extended warranties, service contracts, or accessories are considered taxable in Georgia.
Key Factors:
Purchase Price: The initial agreed-upon price of the vehicle.
Trade-In Value: The value of your old vehicle applied as a credit towards the new purchase. This value reduces the taxable amount.
Local Sales Tax Rate: This is the most crucial variable, as it depends on the county where the vehicle will be titled and registered. The state rate is 4%, but local taxes can add significantly to this.
Taxable Deductions/Additions: Certain items may be added to or subtracted from the taxable base. For simplicity, this calculator includes a field for other taxable additions and assumes trade-in is a deduction.
Georgia Sales Tax Rates:
The state sales and use tax rate in Georgia is 4%. Additionally, counties levy local option sales taxes (LOST). The combined state and local tax rate varies by county. For example:
Some rural counties might be closer to the base 4% rate.
Many urban and suburban counties have significantly higher combined rates due to LOST.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimation based on the provided inputs and a general understanding of Georgia tax law. Actual tax liability can vary based on specific county rates, the exact nature of fees and add-ons, and current tax regulations. It is always recommended to consult with your local tag office or a tax professional for precise figures.
How to Use This Calculator:
Enter the full Vehicle Purchase Price.
Enter the Trade-In Value of your old vehicle, if applicable. If not, leave it at $0.
Enter any Dealer Fees that are *not* considered part of the vehicle's taxable price.
Enter any other Taxable Deductions/Additions. Be sure to understand what is taxable in Georgia.
Click "Calculate Tax".
The calculator will display the estimated sales tax amount. Remember to verify the applicable sales tax rate for your specific county of registration.
function calculateGeorgiaAutoTax() {
var purchasePrice = parseFloat(document.getElementById("purchasePrice").value);
var tradeInValue = parseFloat(document.getElementById("tradeInValue").value) || 0;
var dealerFees = parseFloat(document.getElementById("dealerFees").value) || 0;
var otherDeductions = parseFloat(document.getElementById("otherDeductions").value) || 0;
// Basic validation
if (isNaN(purchasePrice) || purchasePrice < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid vehicle purchase price.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(tradeInValue) || tradeInValue < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid trade-in value.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(dealerFees) || dealerFees < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid dealer fee amount.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(otherDeductions) || otherDeductions < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid amount for other taxable deductions.");
return;
}
// Georgia state sales tax rate is 4%
var stateRate = 0.04;
// *** IMPORTANT ***
// Georgia's local option sales tax (LOST) varies significantly by county.
// This calculator uses a placeholder rate. You MUST replace this with the
// actual combined state and local rate for the specific county.
// A common range for combined rates is 6% to 8.9%.
// Example: For a county with a 7% total rate (4% state + 3% local), use 0.07.
// FOR DEMONSTRATION, WE WILL USE AN EXAMPLE RATE OF 7% (0.07).
// YOU SHOULD VERIFY THE CORRECT RATE FOR YOUR SPECIFIC COUNTY.
var exampleCountyRate = 0.07; // Example: 7% combined rate
var taxableAmount = purchasePrice – tradeInValue + otherDeductions;
// Ensure taxable amount is not negative
if (taxableAmount < 0) {
taxableAmount = 0;
}
var totalTax = taxableAmount * exampleCountyRate;
// Format the result to two decimal places
var formattedTax = totalTax.toLocaleString('en-US', { style: 'currency', currency: 'USD' });
document.getElementById("totalTax").innerText = formattedTax;
}