Why state rules matter
Some states tax the full sale price. Others let trade-in value lower the taxable price. If your calculator ignores that rule, the payment can be wrong before APR is even considered.
U.S. Auto Loan Calculator
Estimate the real monthly cost of a car loan with editable state taxes, fees, trade-in equity, APR, payoff acceleration, and refinance options.
Loan details
Find your monthly payment
Selected state
Texas
Taxes and fees by state
Estimate the full amount you may need to finance
A car payment is not just vehicle price divided by months. Sales tax, registration, doc fees, rebates, trade-in value, and negative equity can all change the amount financed. Start with a state estimate, then edit the numbers to match the quote in front of you.
Negative equity is visible
When the amount owed on your trade is higher than the trade-in value, the difference is added to the new loan. This tool separates that amount so the payment is easier to understand.
Fees stay editable
Dealer, doc, title, registration, and local fees vary by county, lender, dealer, and vehicle. Treat these numbers as a starting point, then replace them with the quote in front of you.
| State | Estimated tax | Trade-in credit | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 6.25% | Yes | Trade-in credit is included in the estimate. |
| California | 7.25% | No | Local rates can be higher than the state base. |
| Florida | 6.00% | Yes | Local surtax and dealer fees can materially change the total. |
| New York | 4.00% | Yes | County and city taxes often increase the final rate. |
| Illinois | 6.25% | Yes | Trade-in credit is allowed for qualified dealer sales. |
| Pennsylvania | 6.00% | Yes | Some local areas add extra tax. |
| Ohio | 5.75% | New only | County tax is usually added; used vehicles may not get trade-in credit. |
| Georgia | 7.00% | Yes | Estimate uses title ad valorem tax; verify fair market value. |
| North Carolina | 3.00% | Yes | Highway use tax is the main tax to verify. |
| Washington | 7.00% | Yes | Includes the 2026 motor vehicle add-on before local rates; luxury tax applies above $100,000. |
Choose your next calculation
Answer the financing questions that matter before you buy
Compare monthly payments, affordability, early payoff, and refinance offers in one place, so each loan decision is based on the same numbers.
Auto loan payment calculator
Start with vehicle price, APR, term, down payment, trade-in, taxes, and fees to estimate the real monthly payment.
Car affordability calculator
Start with a monthly budget and reverse-calculate the vehicle price range that fits your financing numbers.
Auto loan payoff calculator
Enter your current balance and extra payment to estimate how many months and how much interest you can save.
Auto loan refinance calculator
Compare your current loan with a new APR, new term, and refinance fees before accepting an offer.
Payment formula
How the calculator works
The payment formula uses the financed balance, monthly interest rate, and loan term. The amount financed is built from the purchase price plus tax and fees, minus down payment, rebate, and net trade-in equity. If trade-in payoff is higher than the trade-in value, the negative equity is added to the new loan.
Payment = P x r x (1 + r)^n / ((1 + r)^n - 1)
P is the amount financed, r is the monthly APR, and n is the number of monthly payments. If APR is zero, payment is simply amount financed divided by term. Estimates are for planning only and are not lender approvals, tax advice, or DMV fee quotes.
FAQ
Auto loan calculator questions
How do I calculate a car payment with taxes and fees?
Enter the vehicle price, state, sales tax, dealer fees, down payment, trade-in value, APR, and loan term. The calculator estimates the amount financed and applies the standard payment formula.
Does trade-in value reduce sales tax?
It depends on the state. Some states allow trade-in value to reduce the taxable purchase price, while others tax the full vehicle price. The state estimate and tax credit switch let you adjust that assumption.
Is a longer auto loan term better?
A longer term usually lowers the monthly payment but increases total interest and the time you owe money on the car. Use the loan term table to compare the tradeoff.
Can I compare a dealer quote with a bank or credit union quote?
Yes. Change APR, term, fees, and down payment to match each offer. The result panel updates the payment, interest, and total cost so the offers are easier to compare.
Can I use this for a used car loan?
Yes. Choose Used car and set the APR that matches your lender quote. Used car APRs are often higher than new car APRs, so the APR preset is only a starting estimate.
Are the calculator results final loan terms?
No. Auto Loan Calculator is a free planning tool. Results are estimates and should be verified with your lender, dealer, insurer, and state DMV before signing a contract.