Calculates the Georgia Ad Valorem Tax (Title Ad Valorem Tax – TAVT) for new and used vehicles.
Passenger Car
Light-Duty Truck (under 10,000 lbs GVWR)
Motorcycle
RV / Motorhome
Other (e.g., heavy trucks, trailers)
No (Standard TAVT calculation)
Yes (e.g., for certain non-profits, disabled veterans, etc. – consult DOR for eligibility)
Your estimated TAVT will appear here.
Understanding Georgia's Vehicle Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT)
The Georgia Ad Valorem Tax (more precisely, Title Ad Valorem Tax or TAVT) is a one-time tax paid when a vehicle is titled in Georgia. It replaced the annual ad valorem tax based on the vehicle's assessed value and millage rates in most cases for vehicles purchased on or after March 1, 2013. For older vehicles, the annual ad valorem tax still applies. This calculator focuses on the TAVT.
How TAVT is Calculated:
The TAVT is calculated based on the vehicle's assessed value and a tax rate that depends on the vehicle type and whether the standard sales tax was paid on the purchase. The general formula is:
TAVT = (Assessed Value) * (Applicable TAVT Rate)
Assessed Value: For most vehicles, this is the greater of the vehicle's purchase price or its current MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price), adjusted for age. However, for simplicity in this calculator, we use the provided "Vehicle's Fair Market Value (FMV) / Purchase Price" as the base. The Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) uses specific tables and formulas to determine the precise assessed value, which can vary slightly.
Applicable TAVT Rate:
Standard Rate (Most Vehicles): For vehicles where the standard sales tax was NOT paid (which is typical for TAVT), the rate is generally 6.6% of the assessed value for passenger cars and light trucks.
Alternative Rate (If Sales Tax Paid): If the buyer opts to pay the standard 7% Georgia sales tax at the time of purchase, the TAVT rate is reduced to 4.0% of the assessed value. This is often referred to as the "pay-as-you-go" option.
Other Vehicle Types: Rates can differ for motorcycles, RVs, heavy trucks, and other specialized vehicles. This calculator uses a general approximation for these types.
Sales Tax Exemption: Certain individuals or organizations may be eligible for an exemption from TAVT. This calculator includes an option to reflect this, which would result in a $0 TAVT.
Specific Rates Used in this Calculator (General Approximations):
Passenger Car & Light Truck (Sales Tax Not Paid): 6.6%
Passenger Car & Light Truck (Sales Tax Paid): 4.0%
Motorcycle (Sales Tax Not Paid): 5.0%
Motorcycle (Sales Tax Paid): 3.0%
RV / Motorhome (Sales Tax Not Paid): 5.0%
RV / Motorhome (Sales Tax Paid): 3.0%
Other (Sales Tax Not Paid): 7.0%
Other (Sales Tax Paid): 5.0%
Important Considerations:
New vs. Used: TAVT applies to both new and used vehicles when they are first titled in Georgia.
Trade-ins: If you trade in a vehicle, the assessed value used for TAVT calculation is typically the purchase price of the new vehicle MINUS the trade-in value. This calculator assumes the "Vehicle's Fair Market Value / Purchase Price" input already reflects the net amount paid after any trade-in.
Leased Vehicles: TAVT is generally paid by the owner of the vehicle, not the lessee, though lease agreements may vary.
Official Source: This calculator provides an estimate. For precise figures, consult the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) or your local tag office. The DOR's official forms and guidelines should always be referenced for final tax determination.
function calculateTAVT() {
var vehicleValueInput = document.getElementById("vehicleValue");
var vehicleType = document.getElementById("vehicleType").value;
var salesTaxExemption = document.getElementById("salesTaxExemption").value;
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
// Clear previous messages
resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Your estimated TAVT will appear here.';
resultDiv.style.borderColor = '#28a745'; // Default to success green
// — Input Validation —
var vehicleValue = parseFloat(vehicleValueInput.value);
if (isNaN(vehicleValue) || vehicleValue <= 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Please enter a valid vehicle value.';
resultDiv.style.borderColor = 'red';
return;
}
// — TAVT Rate Determination —
var tavtRate = 0;
if (salesTaxExemption === 'yes') {
tavtRate = 0; // Exemption means $0 TAVT
} else {
if (vehicleType === 'car' || vehicleType === 'truck') {
if (document.getElementById("salesTaxExemption").value === 'no') { // Standard TAVT (sales tax not paid)
tavtRate = 0.066; // 6.6%
} else { // Alternative TAVT (sales tax paid)
tavtRate = 0.040; // 4.0%
}
} else if (vehicleType === 'motorcycle') {
if (document.getElementById("salesTaxExemption").value === 'no') {
tavtRate = 0.050; // 5.0%
} else {
tavtRate = 0.030; // 3.0%
}
} else if (vehicleType === 'rv') {
if (document.getElementById("salesTaxExemption").value === 'no') {
tavtRate = 0.050; // 5.0%
} else {
tavtRate = 0.030; // 3.0%
}
} else { // Other types
if (document.getElementById("salesTaxExemption").value === 'no') {
tavtRate = 0.070; // 7.0%
} else {
tavtRate = 0.050; // 5.0%
}
}
}
// — Calculation —
var calculatedTAVT = vehicleValue * tavtRate;
// — Formatting and Display —
var formattedTAVT = calculatedTAVT.toLocaleString('en-US', { style: 'currency', currency: 'USD' });
if (salesTaxExemption === 'yes') {
resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Your estimated TAVT is: $0.00 (Exempt)';
resultDiv.style.borderColor = '#ffc107'; // Warning yellow for exemption
} else {
resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Your estimated TAVT is: ' + formattedTAVT + '';
}
}
function resetForm() {
document.getElementById("vehicleValue").value = "";
document.getElementById("vehicleType").value = "car";
document.getElementById("salesTaxExemption").value = "no";
document.getElementById("result").innerHTML = 'Your estimated TAVT will appear here.';
document.getElementById("result").style.borderColor = '#28a745'; // Reset to success green
}
// Initialize the display on page load
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
resetForm(); // Sets default values and clears result
});