Car Sales Tax in Kansas

Sales tax on a car purchase in Kansas ranges from 7.5% to 11.5% depending on your dealership’s location, with a state average of 8.479%.
Written by Pat Roache
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
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The state of Kansas applies a 7.3% to 8.775% sales tax to all car sales and up to 1% additional sales tax at the county and local levels. The average combined sales tax is 8.479% for a new car purchase in Kansas.
When you’re budgeting for your next car, there are more factors to consider than just the initial price tag. The state and county sales tax can add a considerable charge that will depend on where you buy your car.
Kansas has a considerably high sales tax, but to know exactly how that will affect your car purchase, you’ll need to consider your specific local area.
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How much is the car sales tax rate in Kansas?

The sales tax rate on vehicles in Kansas is 7.3% to 8.775%—or 7.5% on average. County and local taxes can accrue an additional maximum of 4% in sales tax depending on where you buy your car. The Kansas average for combined state and local sales tax is currently 8.479%.
The sales tax varies greatly by location in Kansas with the highest rate of 11.5% in
Leavenworth
and
Coffeyville
of Leavenworth County and Montgomery County, respectively. The lowest combined rate in Kansas is 7.5% in Clark County, Stanton County, and Greeley County. 
MORE: Kansas gas tax

How are car trade-ins taxed in Kansas? 

If you
trade in an old car
to offset the costs of a vehicle purchase in Kansas, you will only be taxed on the final value of your car. That means that the deducted value of your trade-in is not subject to any sales tax. 
Let’s say you trade in a
Toyota Avalon
with a $2,500 value when buying a $27,000
Honda CR-V
. That leaves you with $24,500 in taxable value. In
Wichita
where the combined sales tax is 10.5%, you’d pay $2,572.50 in taxes, but if you buy in Sheridan County with a tax rate of 8.5%, you’d only pay $2082.50 in taxes. 
Unlike trade-in value, dealer rebate and incentives values are not exempt from sales tax in Kansas. Calculate tax on the price of your vehicle before any dealer-arranged deductions to get the most accurate numbers. 

How to calculate sales tax on a car in Kansas

You can use an
online calculator
from the Kansas Department of Revenue to estimate your total car sales tax based on your location. All you need is your dealership’s address or zip code to get a close estimation.
Key Takeaway Combined state and local sales tax on a car purchase in Kansas ranges from 7.5% to 11.5% depending on your location. You’ll need to find out your dealership location’s specific sales tax to estimate the final cost of your purchase.

Exemptions from Kansas car sales tax

Expect to pay Kansas sales tax on any standard car purchases for personal use. However certain car sales are exempt from state taxes if they meet any of the following criteria: 
  • Sales to qualified exempt entities such as federal or local government agencies, educational institutions, and various nonprofit public services
  • Sale of mobility enhancing equipment
  • Sales to certain foreign diplomats
  • Sales between immediate family members
  • Transfers
Check the Department of Revenue’s
guide to Exemption Certificates
if you think your car sale may qualify and to find the proper documentation to record the exemption. 
MORE: Car inspection in Kansas

How to estimate Kansas tax, title, and registration fees

In addition to sales tax, you’ll need to account for registration, title, and plate transfer fees, as well as any documentation fees charged by your dealership when determining your final costs. Here is an average breakdown you can use to estimate the total payment for a car purchase in Kansas:
Cost
Average cost
Sales tax
8.479%
Registration fee
$30 to $40
Title fee
$10
Plate transfer
$4.50
Documentation fee
$285
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The registration fee varies depending on the weight of your vehicle. If your purchased car weighs less than 4500 pounds, you’ll pay $30 for registration—if it’s more than 4500 pounds, you’ll pay $40.
MORE: Is car insurance tax deductible?

How to find affordable car insurance in Kansas

Ideally, you’ll only have to pay fees and sales tax on a car one time, but you’ll have to make a monthly payment to maintain your
Kansas car insurance
. Car insurance super app
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FAQ

Kansas uses the same sales tax for a used car as for a new car purchase. This ranges from 7.5% to 11.5% combined state and local sales tax based on your location with a state average combined tax rate of 8.479%.
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