How Maine taxes car purchases
- State vehicle tax rate
- 5.5%
- Trade-in lowers the tax
- Yes
- Tax cap
- None
- Source
- Official source, checked 2026-10-05
These are the rules for a new car bought from a dealer. Used-car and private-sale rules can differ. How we check this data.
Maine charges 5.5% at the state level. That rate is higher than 23 states and lower than 26 states. County and city taxes may add to it, so check your local rate and enter the total in the calculator.
What to know in Maine
Maine charges 5.5% sales tax on vehicles, and there are no county or city taxes on top, so 5.5% is the full rate.
The trade-in credit applies to a trade of the same kind of vehicle, such as a car for a car. If you plan to trade in something different, such as a motorcycle, toward a car, ask the dealer whether it qualifies before you count on the tax saving.
Does Maine tax your trade-in?
No. Maine only taxes the difference between the new car's price and your trade-in. On a $35,000 car with a $10,000 trade-in, you'd pay $1,375.00 in state tax instead of $1,925.00, a saving of $550.00. That saving is worth counting when you compare a dealer's trade-in offer with selling the car yourself.
Example: a car loan in Maine
A $35,000 car with $5,000 down, $1,500 in fees, and a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR ($1,925.00 state tax, rolled into the loan):
- Monthly payment: $654.00
- Amount financed: $33,425
- Total interest: $5,815
- Total cost of the car: $44,240
Change any number in the calculator above to see your own figures.
Rebates and fees
The calculator charges tax on the price before any manufacturer rebate. Ask the dealer how Maine treats your specific rebate. Title, registration and dealer documentation fees vary, so ask for an itemized out-the-door price and put the fee total in the calculator.
Other states
States with similar vehicle tax rates: