Out-the-Door Price Calculator
Add sales tax, dealer fees and registration to a car’s price — after any trade-in — to find the true out-the-door cost.
How it works
Taxable = price − trade-in · Tax = taxable × rate · Out-the-door = price − trade-in + tax + doc fee + title/registration
The out-the-door (OTD) price is what you actually pay to drive away, not the advertised sticker. It adds sales tax and mandatory fees to the negotiated price. In most U.S. states the trade-in value is subtracted before tax is applied, so a trade-in lowers both the balance and the tax bill — a few states tax the full price. Always negotiate on the OTD figure, since a low car price can hide inflated dealer fees.
Worked example
A $30,000 car with no trade-in in a 7% tax state: tax is $2,100. Add a $500 doc fee and $400 title/registration, and the out-the-door price is $33,000.
Frequently asked questions
Does a trade-in reduce sales tax?
In most states, yes — tax is charged on the price after the trade-in credit, so trading in a $10,000 car can save you the tax on that amount. A handful of states tax the full purchase price regardless; check your state’s rule.
What is a doc fee?
The documentation or dealer fee covers paperwork processing. It varies widely — from under $100 to over $700 — and some states cap it. It is often negotiable, so include it when comparing offers.
Why negotiate the out-the-door price?
Because it is the only number that captures everything you pay. A dealer can advertise a low car price and recover margin through fees, so agreeing on the total OTD figure prevents surprises at signing.
Related calculators
Educational estimate — real figures vary by vehicle, lender, dealer and local rules.