CarFlipIQ

Tennessee Vehicle Sales Tax Calculator

State rate: 7.00%. Local additions: up to 2.75%. Trade-in credit: Yes.

Inputs

Tennessee sales tax

Taxable amount$12,000
State rate7.00%
Local rate0.00%
Effective rate7.00%
State tax$840
Local tax$0
Title fee$11
Total tax due$840
Total out-the-door
$12,851
$12,000 price + $840 tax + $11 title

About Tennessee vehicle tax

Tennessee charges 7% state tax. Local rates add 1.5-2.75%. Trade-in credit applies. Combined rates often near 9.75%.

Estimates only. Tax rates change and local rates vary by city/county. Always verify with the Tennessee DMV before finalizing a purchase.

About Tennessee vehicle tax

Tennessee charges 7% state tax. Local rates add 1.5-2.75%. Trade-in credit applies. Combined rates often near 9.75%.

State sales tax

7.00%

Max observed local rate

2.75%

Trade-in credit

Allowed

Title transfer fee

$11

Tennessee used car market

Tax math tells you what a car costs to buy. CarFlipIQ tells you whether it'll actually sell in Tennessee. We track every Facebook Marketplace listing across the state — real comps, real days-on-market, for every make and model.

Sales tax in other states

Buying or selling across state lines? Compare the rate, trade-in rules, and out-the-door cost in other states — or read the full used car sales tax by state guide.

FAQ

What is the vehicle sales tax in Tennessee?

Tennessee charges a state-level rate of 7.00% on vehicle purchases. Local rates can add up to an additional 2.75%. Trade-in value is deductible from the taxable basis.

Does Tennessee give a trade-in tax credit?

Yes. In Tennessee, the value of your trade-in is subtracted from the purchase price before sales tax is calculated. On a $20,000 car with a $5,000 trade-in, you only pay tax on $15,000.

What is the title transfer fee in Tennessee?

Tennessee charges approximately $11 for title transfer. Dealer documentation ("doc") fees typically range up to $599, though these are dealer-set and negotiable on most transactions.

How do I calculate out-the-door price in Tennessee?

Out-the-door = purchase price + (taxable amount × effective rate) + title fee + registration. Taxable amount equals purchase price minus trade-in (where allowed). Effective rate is state plus local. Use the calculator above for an exact figure on your specific purchase.