What the Georgia TAVT replaces
Vehicles bought on or after March 1, 2013 and titled in Georgia pay the title ad valorem tax and are exempt from sales and use tax and from the old annual ad valorem tax.[1][2] The current rate is 7% of the vehicle's fair market value, paid to the county where the buyer lives.[1]
| Purchase | Fair market value | Trade-in credit |
|---|---|---|
| New car from a dealer | Greater of the selling price and the state assessment value, less dealer rebates and discounts | Yes |
| Used car from a dealer | State value: average of current wholesale and retail values | Yes |
| Used car from a private seller | State value | No |
| New resident | State value, taxed at 3% | – |
| Case | TAVT | Share of price |
|---|---|---|
| $34,000 car from a dealer, $8,000 trade | $1,820.00 | 5.35% |
| $34,000 car from a dealer, no trade | $2,380.00 | 7.00% |
| $18,000 used car, private sale, $5,000 trade | $1,260.00 | 7.00% |
| Moving to Georgia with a $25,000 car | $750.00 | 3.00% |
Family transfersVehicles transferred between certain family members, or inherited, pay a reduced TAVT of 0.5% of fair market value.
The Department of Revenue's online TAVT estimator uses the state value for your VIN; use it if you think the state value is higher than your price.[1]
Compare states on the car sales tax calculator, include the tax in a budget with the car affordability calculator, or see the yearly total on the cost of owning a car calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Does Georgia have sales tax on cars?
No. Georgia charges a one-time 7% title ad valorem tax (TAVT) instead of sales tax.
How much TAVT do new residents pay in Georgia?
3% of the vehicle's fair market value.
Does a trade-in reduce TAVT in Georgia?
Yes when you buy from a dealer, no on a private sale.