Nevada (NV) Vehicle Sales Tax & Fees [+ Calculator]
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It’s exciting to buy a new (or new for you) car, but it’s also far from cheap.
Things like sales tax and other fees are often forgotten about in the excitement of making a new car purchase. But in Nevada, you’ll need to be prepared to spend additional money on these extra costs, including a minimum statewide sales tax of 6.85%.
Here’s what to expect when it comes to taxes and fees in the state of Nevada.
Table of Contents
- How Much Is the Car Sales Tax in Nevada?
- How to Calculate Nevada Sales Tax on a Car
- Nevada Car Sales Tax Calculator
- Do I Have to Pay Sales Tax on a Used Car?
- Which County Has the Highest Tax? Which Has the Lowest?
- Car Sales Tax for Trade-Ins in Nevada
- Car Sales Tax on Private Sales in Nevada
- Tax on Rebates & Dealer Incentives
- Nevada DMV/State Fees
- When Sales Tax Is Exempt in Nevada
- Nevada EV Rebates & Incentives
- Best Car Deals by Category
- Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is the Car Sales Tax in Nevada?
Nevada has one of the more complicated tax rates in the U.S. Most sources put the sales tax rate at 4.6%, but every county adds at least 2.25%, so the minimum statewide sales tax in Nevada is 6.85%.
However, there are additional local sales taxes that can bring the total tax rate to 8.375%, but the average total rate is 7.957%.
For our purposes here, we will use the 6.85% rate since that is the statewide minimum for Nevada.
How to Calculate Nevada Sales Tax on a Car
You can calculate the sales tax in Nevada by multiplying the final purchase price by .0685%.
For example, let’s say that you want to purchase a new car for $30,000, you would use the following formula to calculate the sales tax:
$30,000 x.0685 = $2,055
This means that your sales tax is $2,055 on a $30,000 purchase price.
Calculate Car Sales Tax in Nevada Example:
- Initial Car Price: $30,000
- Sales Tax Rate: 6.85%
- Trade-In Amount: $5,000
- Manufacturer Rebate: $2,000
- Dealer Rebate: $3,000
Sales Tax = ($30,000 - $5,000 - $3,000) * .0685
Sales Tax = $1,507
Remember that the total amount you pay for a car (out the door price) not only includes sales tax, but also registration, and dealership fees.
Nevada Car Sales Tax Calculator
Do I Have to Pay Sales Tax on a Used Car?
Yes, in Nevada you must pay the car sales tax on a used vehicle. The sales tax rules remain the same whether the car is new or used.
Still, purchasing a used car is a wise choice for many. The overall price will be lower, which means you will pay less in sales tax than with a new vehicle.
Which County Has the Highest Tax? Which Has the Lowest?
Clark County has the highest tax rate in Nevada. The total combined car sales tax rate in Clark County is 8.38%. Washoe County is a close second, with a tax of 8.27%.
On the other hand, Humboldt, Eureka, Mineral, and Esmeralda counties have Nevada's lowest sales tax rate. In those counties, the sales tax for vehicles is 6.85%.
Car Sales Tax for Trade-Ins in Nevada
You don’t have to pay sales tax on trade-ins in Nevada. In other words, be sure to subtract the trade-in amount from the car price before calculating sales tax.
As an example, let’s say you are purchasing a new SUV for $35,000 and your trade-in is worth $10,000. You will subtract the trade-in value by the purchase price and get $25,000. Therefore, your car sales tax will be based on the $25,000 amount.
Car Sales Tax on Private Sales in Nevada
Nevada may be one of the best states to buy a vehicle from a private party because it does not charge sales tax on vehicles sold from a private party.
You'll still need to register the vehicle and transfer the title, so be sure to bring the new title, Nevada Evidence of Insurance, the emissions report, current registration, and license plate forms to the DMV.
Tax on Rebates & Dealer Incentives
You do not have to pay tax on dealer rebates in Nevada. In other words, be sure to subtract the dealer rebate amount from the car price before calculating sales tax.
As an example, if you are purchasing a new car for $30,000 with a $5,000 rebate, you will pay sales tax on the $25,000 cost of the car.
However, the same does not apply to manufacturer rebates in Nevada. You must pay tax on manufacturer rebates, or in other words, do not subtract the manufacturer rebate amount from the car price when calculating sales tax.
Nevada DMV/State Fees
There are some other state and DMV fees associated with the purchase of a vehicle in Nevada.
A few of these fees include:
- Registration Fee: $33
- Title Fee: $28.25
- Plate Transfer Fee: $6
Nevada Dealership Fees
Dealerships apply extra fees, sometimes referred to as “doc fees,” with the sale of the car.
Though these fees vary based on the dealership, the average fee in Nevada is $440, with no statewide limit on how much dealerships can charge.
When Sales Tax Is Exempt in Nevada
Much like every state, Nevada has some sales tax exemptions for vehicle sales. Exemptions include:
- Private sales
- Family sales
- Gifts
- Veterans purchasing vehicles
- Blind buyers
- Disabled veterans or a surviving spouse of a disabled veteran
Be sure to fill out the exemption form and bring it with you when you register the vehicle.
Nevada EV Rebates & Incentives
There are currently federal incentives for purchasing new EVs. Nevada also offers state EV incentives that can help offset the price of a new electric vehicle.
Tax information and rates are subject to change, please be sure to verify with your local DMV.
