Massachusetts Car Sales Tax Calculator

What you pay in tax when you buy a vehicle in Massachusetts, from the statute and the revenue department.

Verified September 21, 2026 · statute and revenue department cross-checked

Vehicle price (USD) Trade-in value (USD)

Buying the car is only half the cost. You still owe an annual registration fee.

See Massachusetts vehicle registration fees →

What to know about Massachusetts

Buy privately below book value and Massachusetts still taxes you on book. Trade-in credit exists only when you buy from a dealer registered in Massachusetts, so crossing into New Hampshire to buy costs you the trade-in deduction as well. Family transfers between parent, spouse, child or sibling are exempt.

Sources

Statute: M.G.L. c. 64H § 2; c. 64I § 2

Massachusetts DOR, Motor Vehicle and Trailer Sales and Use Tax
“If a motor vehicle is casually sold (not sold by a dealer or lessor), the use tax rate is 6.25% of the greater of: The actual sales price for the vehicle, or The motor vehicle’s clean trade-in value (book value) ... Casual and isolated sales: No reduction in taxable sales price is allowed as a result of a trade-in.”

Massachusetts DOR Directive 88-16
“Because the New Hampshire dealer is not registered in Massachusetts, Daniel must pay tax on the entire sales price of the new car, including any amount allowed for the trade-in.”

Last verified: September 21, 2026.

Estimates only. Your dealer or the state issues the final bill, and exemptions can change what you owe. This page does not collect or store anything you enter.