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Tax

Purchase and Use Tax (32 V.S.A.)

Purchase: 

Purchase and Use Tax is due at the time of registration and/or title at the rate of 6% of the purchase price or the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) clean trade-in value, whichever is greater (see allowable credits and exemptions).

If the vehicle is currently registered/titled to you or your spouse out-of-state, tax is based on NADA clean trade-in book value and is due unless exempt.

You may submit a Vermont Dealer Appraisal form if the vehicle’s value is less than the NADA value.

Lease:

The dealer/leasing company will calculate the tax. A lease agreement or Vermont Dealer worksheet must be submitted with documents. If the individual purchases this vehicle at the end of the lease, they will pay tax on the "residual/lease end value" of the vehicle.

The registration application is received from a Vermont Dealer or a Vermont Dealer acting on behalf of the Lessor. A "Purchase and Use Tax Computation - Leased Vehicle" form may be submitted in lieu of a copy of the lease agreement and dealer worksheet.

Original Acquisition Cost - Lease End Value = Purchase Price

The Purchase Price is the amount that will be taxed.

Tax Rate

Vehicle Classification 6% 9% Maximum
ATV X   N/A
Auto X   N/A
Motorboat X   N/A
Motorcycle X   N/A
Motorhome X   N/A
Short Term Vehicle Rental   X N/A
Trucks (10,099 lbs or less) X   N/A
Trucks (10,100 lbs or more) X   $2,486.00
All Other Vehicles X   $2,486.00

Download the PDF form to your computer and then open it with Adobe Reader

Related Forms & Information
Title Sort descending ID# Description
Certification of Tax Exemption
VT-014
To request exemption of tax because the tax was paid to another state, the vehicle was received as a gift, the vehicle is equipped with altered controls or a mechanical lifting device for a disabled person, or the vehicle was transferred from an individual or business to a business controlled by the transferor. Form VT-014 replaced VT-013, VT-029 & VD-050 in July of 2022.
Dealer Appraisal Form
VD-012
To apply for a lesser tax due at the time of registration when disagreeing with NADA value.
IRS Form W-9
IRS Form W-9
Use Form W-9 to provide your correct Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) to the person who is required to file an information return with the IRS to report, for example, the acquisition or abandonment of secured property.
Lease Excess Wear & Tear / Excess Mileage Tax
VD-145
To document additional taxes collected as a result of excess wear and tear and/or excess mileage at the end of a motor vehicle lease contract.
Purchase & Use tax Exemption
VG-147
Used for organizations wishing to become certified as exempt from P&U tax
Purchase and Use Tax Computation - Leased Vehicle
VD-147
To be used only by Licensed Vermont Car Dealers.
Request for Vehicle Tax Refund
VD-115
To apply for a refund on taxes previously paid on a vehicle recently registered for the first time in Vermont.

FAQs.

How can I estimate the tax due on a vehicle?

Click the ‘Estimate Tax Due on a Vehicle’ button at the center of the home screen or the ‘Estimate Tax Due on a Vehicle’ link under the Vehicle Inquiry section. Enter the type of vehicle and then the required information (e.g., VIN, salvage status, odometer reading, purchase date/price). Additionally, enter any trade-in vehicles that you would be reporting. Then click ‘Get Estimate’. The estimated tax due is displayed.

I bought a new car in Florida and paid "Vermont" tax. Now I have sold my old car, can I get a tax refund?

No, not from Vermont.

Several states, including Florida, will collect taxes equal to the rate of your home state. In this example, the Vermont tax is 6%, so they will charge you 6% tax. That tax money is not transferred to Vermont. The only way to get any portion of it refunded to you is to contact the state that collected the tax.

List of DMVs from other states.

I am gifting my vehicle to someone, can I also gift my plates to them to use?

No, you may gift your personally owned vehicle to anyone you choose, but the plates belong to you, not the vehicle. The new owner must apply for new plates and registration under their name.

Exception: some low-number plates can be transferred to a family member.

Are dealer documentation fees taxable?

The documentation fee, which represents a charge for the preparation and handling of sale documents regardless of whether or not the vehicle is financed, should be included in the overall purchase price of the vehicle and is therefore subject to the Purchase and Use Tax.

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