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Auto Payment Calculator with Taxes

Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team

This auto payment calculator with taxes helps you estimate your monthly payments including sales tax. Simply enter your loan amount, interest rate, loan term, and sales tax rate to get an accurate estimate of your total monthly payment.

How to Use This Calculator

Using this auto payment calculator with taxes is simple:

  1. Enter the purchase price of the vehicle in the "Vehicle Price" field.
  2. Input your down payment amount in the "Down Payment" field.
  3. Enter your loan term in years in the "Loan Term" field.
  4. Provide your annual interest rate in the "Interest Rate" field.
  5. Enter your sales tax rate in the "Sales Tax Rate" field.
  6. Click the "Calculate" button to see your estimated monthly payment.

The calculator will display your estimated monthly payment including principal, interest, and sales tax. You can also view a breakdown of your payments over time with the included chart.

Formula Explained

The auto payment calculator uses the following formula to calculate your monthly payment including taxes:

Monthly Payment = P × (r(1 + r)^n) / ((1 + r)^n - 1) + (P × t)

Where:

  • P = Principal loan amount (Vehicle Price - Down Payment)
  • r = Monthly interest rate (Annual Interest Rate / 12 / 100)
  • n = Number of payments (Loan Term × 12)
  • t = Monthly sales tax (Sales Tax Rate / 100 / 12)

This formula calculates the standard loan payment and then adds the monthly sales tax component to get your total monthly payment.

Worked Example

Let's look at an example to see how the calculator works:

Example Calculation

Vehicle Price: $30,000

Down Payment: $5,000

Loan Term: 5 years

Interest Rate: 4.5%

Sales Tax Rate: 8%

Principal Loan Amount: $25,000

Monthly Interest Rate: 0.00375 (4.5% ÷ 12)

Number of Payments: 60 (5 × 12)

Monthly Sales Tax: $16.67 ($30,000 × 0.08 ÷ 12)

Monthly Payment: $450.28 (calculated using the formula) + $16.67 = $466.95

In this example, your total monthly payment would be $466.95, which includes $450.28 for the loan payment and $16.67 for sales tax.

How Taxes Affect Your Payments

Sales tax can significantly impact your total monthly payment. Here's how it works:

  1. The sales tax is calculated on the total purchase price of the vehicle.
  2. The tax is then divided by the loan term to get the monthly tax amount.
  3. This monthly tax amount is added to your standard loan payment.

For example, if you're buying a $30,000 vehicle with an 8% sales tax, you'll pay $2,400 in total sales tax. If you finance the vehicle over 5 years, that's $400 per month in additional tax payments.

Keep in mind that the sales tax rate varies by location, so be sure to use the correct rate for your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is this auto payment calculator with taxes?

This calculator provides an estimate based on the information you provide. For exact figures, consult with your lender or use their official payment calculator.

Does this calculator include all fees associated with an auto loan?

No, this calculator only includes the principal, interest, and sales tax. Additional fees like origination fees, title fees, and registration fees are not included.

Can I use this calculator for both new and used cars?

Yes, this calculator can be used for both new and used cars. Simply enter the appropriate purchase price and sales tax rate.

How often should I check my auto payment estimate?

It's a good idea to check your payment estimate when you first get approved for a loan and then periodically throughout the life of your loan, especially if interest rates change.

Is the sales tax rate the same for all states?

No, sales tax rates vary by state and sometimes by county. Be sure to use the correct rate for your location.