.tavt-container { padding: 30px; }
.tavt-header { background-color: #004a99; color: #ffffff; padding: 20px 30px; text-align: center; }
.tavt-header h2 { margin: 0; font-size: 24px; color: #fff; }
.tavt-input-group { margin-bottom: 20px; }
.tavt-input-group label { display: block; font-weight: 600; margin-bottom: 8px; color: #444; }
.tavt-input-group input, .tavt-input-group select { width: 100%; padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 4px; font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; }
.tavt-btn { background-color: #004a99; color: white; border: none; padding: 15px 25px; font-size: 18px; border-radius: 4px; cursor: pointer; width: 100%; font-weight: bold; transition: background-color 0.3s; }
.tavt-btn:hover { background-color: #003366; }
.tavt-result { margin-top: 25px; padding: 20px; background-color: #f1f8ff; border-left: 5px solid #004a99; border-radius: 4px; display: none; }
.tavt-result h3 { margin-top: 0; color: #004a99; }
.tavt-result-val { font-size: 28px; font-weight: bold; color: #333; }
.tavt-article { padding: 30px; border-top: 1px solid #eee; }
.tavt-article h3 { color: #004a99; border-bottom: 2px solid #004a99; padding-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 30px; }
.tavt-article p { margin-bottom: 15px; }
.tavt-table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 20px 0; }
.tavt-table th, .tavt-table td { border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 12px; text-align: left; }
.tavt-table th { background-color: #f9f9f9; }
Understanding Georgia Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT)
In Georgia, the Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) is a one-time fee paid at the time a vehicle is titled. This tax replaced the sales tax and the old annual "birthday tax" (ad valorem tax) for vehicles purchased after March 1, 2013.
Unlike traditional sales tax, which is based on the negotiated purchase price, TAVT is calculated based on the Fair Market Value (FMV) of the vehicle as determined by the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR). If you are buying a vehicle from a dealer, the TAVT is calculated on the higher of either the FMV or the sales price (minus trade-ins).
How TAVT is Calculated in GA
The standard rate for Georgia TAVT has been set at 7% of the fair market value of the vehicle since 2020. However, the calculation changes based on specific scenarios:
- Standard Purchases: 7% of the taxable value.
- Trade-In Credit: If you trade in a vehicle to a dealer, the value of that trade-in is subtracted from the taxable value of the new vehicle, reducing your tax burden.
- New Residents: People moving to Georgia from another state typically pay a reduced rate of 3% to title their out-of-state vehicles in GA.
- Family Transfers: Depending on the relationship (e.g., parent to child), the tax might be a flat $10 or 0.5% of the value.
Example Calculation
| Description |
Example Value |
| Vehicle Fair Market Value |
$25,000 |
| Trade-In Allowance |
$5,000 |
| Taxable Amount |
$20,000 |
| TAVT Rate (Standard) |
7% |
| Total TAVT Due |
$1,400 |
Important Considerations
It is important to note that this calculator provides an estimate. The actual amount is determined by the local County Tag Office at the time of registration. The Fair Market Value is not necessarily what you paid for the car; it is the value found in the Georgia Department of Revenue assessment manual.
For salvage vehicles, the TAVT rate is typically applied to 100% of the value, but different rules may apply for the initial salvage title application. Always check with your local Georgia Tax Commissioner's office for the final figures before finalizing a purchase.
function calculateGATAVT() {
var fmv = parseFloat(document.getElementById('vehicleValue').value);
var tradeIn = parseFloat(document.getElementById('tradeInValue').value);
var rateSelection = document.getElementById('transferType').value;
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('tavtResult');
var displayDiv = document.getElementById('tavtDisplay');
var breakdownDiv = document.getElementById('tavtBreakdown');
if (isNaN(fmv) || fmv <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid Fair Market Value.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(tradeIn)) {
tradeIn = 0;
}
var taxableValue = fmv – tradeIn;
if (taxableValue < 0) { taxableValue = 0; }
var totalTavt = 0;
var rateDescription = "";
if (rateSelection == "10") {
// Flat fee case
totalTavt = 10;
rateDescription = "Flat fee family transfer rate.";
} else {
var rate = parseFloat(rateSelection);
totalTavt = taxableValue * rate;
rateDescription = "Calculated at " + (rate * 100).toFixed(1) + "% of the net value ($" + taxableValue.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2}) + ").";
}
displayDiv.innerHTML = "$" + totalTavt.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
breakdownDiv.innerHTML = rateDescription;
resultDiv.style.display = 'block';
}