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bymuratdeniz/Getty Images August 17, 2022 Dan Miller is a former contributing writer for Bankrate. Dan covered loans, home equity and debt management in his work. Rhys has been editing and writing for Bankrate since late 2021. They are passionate about helping readers gain the confidence to take control of their finances by providing clear, well-researched information that breaks down otherwise complex topics into manageable bites. Bankrate logo The Bankrate promise
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You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey. Bankrate follows a strict , so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers. We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money. Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and, services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service. Sales tax is a part of buying and leasing cars in states that charge it. Like with any purchase, the rules on when and how much sales tax you’ll pay when you lease a car vary by state. If you buy your leased car at the end of your lease, you may also be required to pay sales tax as part of the purchase. Lightbulb Do you pay sales tax on a lease buyout? The likelihood of paying sales tax on a lease buyout depends on the state of purchase and the lease’s terms. It’s possible the state you live in already rolled the tax into your monthly payment. What is a lease buyout
A , which usually occurs at the end of your lease period, is when you opt to keep your leased car rather than return it to the dealer. When you buy out your lease, you’ll pay the residual value of the car — its remaining value at the end of the lease — plus any applicable taxes and fees. Not all leases allow for a lease buyout, so of your lease. Does sales tax apply to my lease buyout
Depending on your state and the terms of your lease, you may have already paid all of the required sales tax. At the very least, you have likely already paid some sales tax on the car, so it’s highly unlikely you need to pay taxes on the complete original price of the leased car. Most states roll the sales tax into the monthly payment of the car lease, though a few states require that all the sales tax for all your be paid upfront. In a couple of states, such as Texas, lessees must pay sales tax on the full value of the leased car versus just the tax on payments during the time of the lease. How do I calculate the sales tax on my lease buyout
Before you can calculate the sales tax on your lease buyout, you’ll need to find out the car’s residual value. Your lease payments are determined in part by the difference between the car’s original value and its residual value. The best way to calculate the amount of sales tax on your lease buyout is to look at the original lease paperwork, where you can find a breakdown of the taxes. From there, contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or visit its website for clarification on how sales tax is calculated on leased cars in your state. You will then know what to expect for sales tax when you buy out your lease. If you’d prefer a more definite picture of how much you may be paying, you may want to consult with a tax professional. When should I consider a lease buyout
There are a couple of factors to consider when determining whether it makes sense to do a lease buyout. First, check if the car is worth at least as much as the payoff amount. If it’s not, that’s probably a good sign that a lease buyout is not a great option. Another factor to consider is the car’s condition at the end of the lease. If you exceed your mileage allowance or your car has excessive wear and tear, you may get hit with additional fees if you turn your car in. Depending on the amount you’ll be charged, it may make sense to do a lease buyout. The bottom line
Deciding whether to buy your leased car hinges on several factors. Knowing whether you have to pay sales tax — and how much — when you buy your leased car can play a role in deciding if it makes sense for you. Laws vary by state, so check your lease paperwork and your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles for the regulations on sales tax where you live. Remember, too, that you can turn in a leased car or do a buyout of your leased car at any franchised dealer that carries your brand. If you’re uncomfortable working with the dealer you originally leased the car through, simply take your business to another dealership. Learn more
SHARE: Dan Miller is a former contributing writer for Bankrate. Dan covered loans, home equity and debt management in his work. Rhys has been editing and writing for Bankrate since late 2021. They are passionate about helping readers gain the confidence to take control of their finances by providing clear, well-researched information that breaks down otherwise complex topics into manageable bites. Related Articles