NORTH CAROLINA CAR SALES TAX · 2026
North Carolina car sales tax calculator
North Carolina charges 3% highway use tax on a car's price less any trade-in. On a $35,000 car with a $10,000 trade-in, bought from a dealer, the tax is $750.00.
Tax on this purchase
- Tax due
- $750.00
- Highway use tax
- $750.00
- Taxed amount
- $25,000.00
- Trade-in subtracted
- $10,000.00
North Carolina car sales tax by price
A new car from a dealer.
| Price | No trade-in | $10,000 trade-in |
|---|---|---|
| $20,000 | $600.00 | $300.00 |
| $35,000 | $1,050.00 | $750.00 |
| $50,000 | $1,500.00 | $1,200.00 |
| $75,000 | $2,250.00 | $1,950.00 |
North Carolina car sales tax questions
How much is car sales tax in North Carolina?
North Carolina charges 3% highway use tax on a car's price less any trade-in. On a $35,000 car with a $10,000 trade-in, bought from a dealer, the tax is $750.00.
Does a trade-in lower North Carolina's car sales tax?
Yes. North Carolina taxes the price less the trade-in. A $10,000 trade-in on a $35,000 car from a dealer saves $300.00.
Is a private car sale taxed in North Carolina?
Yes, at the same rate, and a trade-in still counts. North Carolina taxes a private sale on the vehicle's market value, presumed to be its value in the state's schedule.
What the calculator leaves out
- This site has not confirmed whether North Carolina taxes a manufacturer rebate, so the calculator taxes the price before it.
- North Carolina taxes a private sale on the vehicle's market value, presumed to be its value in the state's schedule; the calculator uses the price.
Title, registration and plate fees, dealer fees, and any yearly tax on owning the vehicle are not included.