TENNESSEE CAR SALES TAX · 2026
Tennessee car sales tax calculator
Tennessee charges 7% state sales tax on a car, plus 2.75% state single article tax on the part of the price from $1,600 to $3,200, plus local tax on the first $1,600. On a $35,000 car with a $10,000 trade-in, bought from a dealer, the tax is $2,494.00, before local tax.
Tax on this purchase
- Tax due
- $2,494.00
- State sales tax
- $2,494.00
- Local tax
- $0.00
- Taxed amount
- $35,000.00
This site has not confirmed whether Tennessee subtracts a trade-in, so the calculator does not.
Tennessee car sales tax by price
A new car from a dealer, before local tax.
| Price | No trade-in | $10,000 trade-in |
|---|---|---|
| $20,000 | $1,444.00 | $1,444.00 |
| $35,000 | $2,494.00 | $2,494.00 |
| $50,000 | $3,544.00 | $3,544.00 |
| $75,000 | $5,294.00 | $5,294.00 |
Tennessee car sales tax questions
How much is car sales tax in Tennessee?
Tennessee charges 7% state sales tax on a car, plus 2.75% state single article tax on the part of the price from $1,600 to $3,200, plus local tax on the first $1,600. On a $35,000 car with a $10,000 trade-in, bought from a dealer, the tax is $2,494.00, before local tax.
What is Tennessee's single article tax?
A state tax of 2.75% on the part of one item's price from $1,600 to $3,200, paid on top of the 7% state sales tax. Buyers of new and used vehicles pay both.
Is there local tax on a car in Tennessee?
Yes, on only the first $1,600 of the price in most places, at the local rate where the vehicle is registered, never more than 2.75%. Enter your rate in the calculator to include it.
What the calculator leaves out
- This site has not confirmed on an official page whether Tennessee subtracts a trade-in from the tax, so the calculator does not.
- This site has not confirmed whether Tennessee taxes a manufacturer rebate, so the calculator taxes the price before it.
- This site has not confirmed how Tennessee taxes a private sale, so the calculator treats it like a dealer sale.
- A few Tennessee jurisdictions apply local tax to a different amount; the calculator applies it to the first $1,600.
- Local tax is included only when you enter it.
Title, registration and plate fees, dealer fees, and any yearly tax on owning the vehicle are not included.