Can I deduct a trade-in on a private vehicle sale in Indiana?

No. Indiana Department of Revenue regulations allow trade-in credit only when purchasing from a licensed motor vehicle dealership. Private sales cannot deduct the value of a traded vehicle.

How much does it cost to title and register a car in Indiana?

The Indiana BMV charges $15.00 for a certificate of title and $36.35 for standard annual passenger registration ($21.35 base registration plus a $15.00 Transportation Infrastructure Improvement Fee).

Verified for 2026 Indiana Statutory Rates

Indiana Private Party Vehicle Tax, Tags & Title Calculator

Q: What additional taxes apply to vehicles in Indiana?

In addition to sales tax at purchase, Indiana vehicle owners pay an annual Motor Vehicle Excise Tax and local county/municipal wheel taxes based on the vehicle's age and original MSRP when registering each year.

Calculate your true first-year out-of-pocket costs for a private vehicle sale in Indiana. Accurately accounts for 7% excise/sales tax, $15 certificate of title fee, 1 or 2-year tag registration, and state-specific regulations.

Vehicle & Transaction Details

Enter purchase information to calculate true out-of-pocket costs in Indiana.

State of Registration5 Regional States Active

Vehicle Type

Purchase Price (Agreed Sale Price)Indiana 7% tax base

Vehicle Model Year7 years old

Vehicle Weight ClassificationClass A Passenger

Registration TermIndiana tag options

Powertrain / Fuel TypeEV surcharge rules

Financing & Lien FilingLien fee: $0.00

Trade-in Value (Optional)Indiana: Non-Deductible

Indiana Notice: Indiana taxes the full agreed vehicle price — trade-ins do not reduce the tax base on private-party sales.

Official Notice & Statutory Disclaimers

Estimates only — not tax or legal advice. Verify with Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and Department of Revenue.

Private-party vehicle purchases in Indiana are subject to the 7.0% state sales and use tax.

Trade-in tax deductions apply exclusively to dealership purchases; private sales are taxed on the full purchase price.

Annual motor vehicle excise taxes and local wheel taxes are billed by the BMV based on vehicle class and age.

County & Local Tax Note: Indiana does not levy local option sales taxes on vehicles (uniform 7.0% statewide). However, the BMV assesses an annual Motor Vehicle Excise Tax and local County/Municipal Wheel Tax based on vehicle age and class at registration.

Estimated Total Breakdown

First-Year Out-of-Pocket Cost

Jurisdiction

Indiana

Total True First-Year Cost

$1,101.35

Sales/Excise Tax + Title Certificate + Tags & Registration

Itemized Line ItemEstimated Fee

1Vehicle Sales / Excise Tax (7%)

Calculated at 7% on taxable base of $15,000

$1,050.00

2Certificate of Title Fee

Standard state title certificate issuance

$15.00

3Lien / Security Filing Fee

Unfinanced / cash purchase (waived $0.00)

$0.00

4Registration & Tag Fee

Base license plates & tags

$36.35

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Frequently Asked Questions

Indiana Private Vehicle Sales & Tag Rules

Essential statutory answers regarding MVA excise taxes, titling requirements, and tag renewal fees.

Indiana charges a 7.0% sales and use tax on private-party motor vehicle sales. The tax is collected by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) when you title and register the vehicle.