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Utah car sales tax at a glance
| Utah | |
|---|---|
| Tax | sales and use tax |
| State rate | 4.85% |
| Average with local taxes (2026 (Tax Foundation midyear, July 1)) | 7.42% |
| Counties and cities add tax | Yes |
| Trade-in lowers the tax | Yes, tax is on the price minus the trade |
| Leases | Tax on each monthly payment |
Checked on the state's official sources on 2026-11-02. Rates change; the state's revenue department has the last word.
How to work out Utah sales tax on a car
Multiply the taxable price by the rate. In Utah the trade-in comes off first.
A $30,000 car with a $5,000 trade: $25,000 x 4.85% = $1,212.50 at the state rate, plus any county or city tax where you register the car.
Dealer sales use the combined rate at the dealer's location (not the buyer's). Document service fees are taxable.
Trade-ins
Tax Commission Pub 5: taxable amount is the vehicle purchase price after subtracting any trade-in or rebate credit; the trade must be in a single transaction between the two parties.
Leasing a car in Utah
Tax on each monthly payment. Leases are taxable; lessors pay tax on the payments they receive, and taxable up-front amounts (cap cost reductions) are taxed too. Trade equity that reduces the payments gets the trade-in credit (Pub 5). The lease calculator uses Utah's method when you pick the state.
Dealer doc fees
No state cap found; doc fees are taxable.