Using our New York used car sales tax calculator, you can find out how much sales tax you’ll owe when buying a used car in New York.
Use our free calculator below to estimate your state and local sales tax based on your vehicle price and location in New York.
New York Car Sales Tax Overview
How Much is Used Car Sales Tax in New York?
- State sales tax rate: 4.00%
- Local/county tax rate: Varies by county (ranges from 3.00% to 4.75%)
- Total tax rate: 7.00% – 8.875% (depending on the county)
- Tax is based on: The purchase price or fair market value (whichever is higher).
Do I Pay Sales Tax on a Used Car from a Private Seller?
Yes. Whether you buy from a dealership or a private seller, sales tax is due when you register the vehicle with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV).
Other Fees to Expect in New York
While these aren’t part of the sales tax, you’ll need to budget for additional fees when registering your vehicle:
| Fee Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Title Fee | $50 |
| Registration Fee | $26 to $140 (varies by vehicle weight and type) |
| Inspection Fee | $6 to $37 (varies by county and vehicle type) |
| Dealer Documentation Fee | Capped at $175 |
| County-Specific Fees | May apply (e.g., Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District fee in certain counties) |
When Do I Pay Sales Tax?
You don’t pay sales tax to the seller. Instead, you must pay it at the time of registration with the New York DMV.
Make sure to bring your bill of sale, title, and proof of insurance when registering your car.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) Do I pay tax on dealer fees?
Yes, dealer fees such as documentation fees are subject to sales tax in New York.
2) What if I buy a car out of state and bring it to New York?
If you purchase a car out of state and register it in New York, you must still pay New York sales tax unless you can prove you paid an equivalent amount in another state.
3) What if I gift a car to a family member?
New York allows tax exemptions for gifts between immediate family members (parents, children, spouses). However, you must file Form DTF-802 (Statement of Transaction) to claim the exemption.
What’s Next?
Now that you know your estimated used car sales tax:
- Gather your documents (bill of sale, title, proof of insurance).
- Visit your local New York DMV office or use online services where applicable.
- Pay your applicable sales tax and fees to complete the registration process.
Use our New York used car sales tax calculator to get an estimate before heading to the DMV, ensuring you’re fully prepared!
Helpful Resources
If you need more information about buying, registering, and owning a car in New York, here are some other handy resources that might help:
- NY DMV Sales Tax Information
- Sales Tax Rates, Additional Sales Taxes, and Fees
- New York DMV Office Locations
New York County Sales Tax Rates
| County | County Sales Tax Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| Albany | 4.00 |
| Allegany | 4.50 |
| Broome | 4.00 |
| Cattaraugus | 4.00 |
| Cayuga | 4.00 |
| Chautauqua | 4.00 |
| Chemung | 4.00 |
| Chenango | 4.00 |
| Clinton | 4.00 |
| Columbia | 4.00 |
| Cortland | 4.00 |
| Delaware | 4.00 |
| Dutchess | 3.75 |
| Erie | 4.75 |
| Essex | 4.00 |
| Franklin | 4.00 |
| Fulton | 4.00 |
| Genesee | 4.00 |
| Greene | 4.00 |
| Hamilton | 4.00 |
| Herkimer | 4.25 |
| Jefferson | 4.00 |
| Lewis | 4.00 |
| Livingston | 4.00 |
| Madison | 4.00 |
| Monroe | 4.00 |
| Montgomery | 4.00 |
| Nassau | 4.25 |
| Niagara | 4.00 |
| Oneida | 4.75 |
| Onondaga | 4.00 |
| Ontario | 3.50 |
| Orange | 3.75 |
| Orleans | 4.00 |
| Oswego | 4.00 |
| Otsego | 4.00 |
| Putnam | 4.38 |
| Rensselaer | 4.00 |
| Rockland | 4.00 |
| Saratoga | 3.00 |
| Schenectady | 4.00 |
| Schoharie | 4.00 |
| Schuyler | 4.00 |
| Seneca | 4.00 |
| St. Lawrence | 4.00 |
| Steuben | 4.00 |
| Suffolk | 4.25 |
| Sullivan | 4.00 |
| Tioga | 4.00 |
| Tompkins | 4.00 |
| Ulster | 4.00 |
| Warren | 4.00 |
| Washington | 3.00 |
| Wayne | 4.00 |
| Westchester | 4.38 |
| Wyoming | 4.00 |
| Yates | 4.00 |