Buying a new or used car, truck, motorcycle, RV, or trailer in Wyoming means paying sales tax and other fees. This guide provides an overview of Wyoming’s vehicle sales tax rates, exemptions, and administration. Use our calculator to estimate taxes and fees when purchasing and registering vehicles in Wyoming.
Wyoming Vehicle Sales Tax Calculator
Wyoming has a 4% statewide sales and use tax rate that applies to vehicle purchases. On top of this, counties can charge an additional general purpose option tax up to 2%, bringing the total sales tax rate to 6% in some areas.
Use our calculator below to estimate the total sales tax on a vehicle purchase in Wyoming:
Wyoming Vehicle Sales Tax Calculator
Wyoming Vehicle Sales Tax Calculator
Tax: $0.00
To estimate the total sales tax on a vehicle purchase in Wyoming, you’ll need to know:
- The vehicle’s purchase price
- Your county’s sales tax rate
Some key things to note:
- Sales tax is charged on the full purchase price, including any accessories or add-ons.
- Trade-in credits or rebates that lower the purchase price are generally not subject to sales tax.
- Gifts between family members may be exempt from sales tax.
As you can see, sales tax can add a significant amount to your vehicle purchase. Make sure to factor this in when budgeting.
Wyoming Vehicle Registration Fees
In addition to sales tax, you’ll need to pay registration fees to legally drive your vehicle in Wyoming. Key fees include:
- Title fee – $15 to transfer the title into your name.
- License plate fee – $15 for a permanent plate. Specialty plates cost $25-$150.
- County registration fee – Varies by county, typically $18-$45.
- Highway user fee – Based on vehicle weight, averages $120-$360 annually.
- Hybrid fee – $50 annual fee for hybrid vehicles.
So for a typical sedan, initial registration fees will total $150-$200 on top of sales tax. Be sure to re-register annually to avoid penalties.
Wyoming Vehicle Sales Tax Exemptions
Some vehicle purchases in Wyoming may be exempt from sales tax:
- Gifts – Vehicles received as gifts from immediate family members are exempt.
- Inheritance – Inheriting a vehicle from a deceased person’s estate is not taxable.
- Out-of-state purchases – Vehicles purchased from an out-of-state seller and brought into Wyoming within 90 days are exempt. However, you’ll still pay registration fees.
- Native American reservations – No sales tax on reservation land.
- Government and non-profits – Purchases by qualifying entities are exempt with proper documentation.
- Wyoming tribe members – Enrolled members of Wyoming’s Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes can make tax-exempt purchases on tribal land.
- Short-term rentals – Vehicles rented for less than 30 days are exempt.
Ensure you have proper documentation to qualify for any exemptions when registering your vehicle.
How Vehicle Sales Tax is Administered in Wyoming
The Wyoming Department of Revenue (DOR) oversees vehicle sales tax collection and administration statewide.
Key aspects include:
- Payment – Dealers collect sales tax from buyers on eligible purchases and remit it to the DOR. For private sales, buyers self-report taxes.
- Title transfer – The title cannot be transferred until applicable sales taxes are paid. The DOR issues title certificates.
- Exemptions – Buyers must provide exemption certificates/affidavits to dealers at the time of purchase. The DOR offers exemption forms.
- Enforcement – The DOR conducts audits to ensure dealers properly collect and remit sales taxes. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
- Local taxes – The DOR collects any optional county taxes in conjunction with the statewide tax.
So make sure taxes are paid properly when purchasing a vehicle to avoid issues titling and registering. Keep documentation on exemptions claimed as well.
When Do I Owe Sales Tax on a Car from Another State?
If you purchase and take delivery of a new vehicle in another state, you will generally pay that state’s sales tax rate at the time of purchase. However, once you register the car in Wyoming, you may owe “use tax”, which is essentially equivalent to Wyoming’s sales tax.
The DOR requires use tax to be paid when:
- You purchase a vehicle out-of-state more than 90 days before registering it in Wyoming.
- You purchase a vehicle in another state but store or use it primarily in Wyoming.
Use tax prevents buyers from avoiding Wyoming sales tax by making out-of-state purchases. The rate is the same as the sales tax rate based on your county.
So if you permanently move to Wyoming with a car bought elsewhere, be prepared to pay any difference between Wyoming’s tax rate and what you already paid.
Can I Get a Sales Tax Refund on a Car?
In limited cases, you may be able to get a partial sales tax refund on a vehicle purchased in Wyoming:
- If you pay sales tax on a car but end up registering it in another state within 90 days, you can request a refund of the Wyoming tax paid.
- If you qualify for a sales tax exemption but paid tax at the time of purchase, you may be able to claim a refund. Proper documentation is required.
- If the vehicle is returned or repossessed within 90 days, you can get a prorated refund of tax paid.
- If sales tax was charged in error or overcharged, the excess amount can be refunded upon request.
Refund claims must be submitted to the DOR with supporting documentation. Allow up to 90 days for processing. The state will verify eligibility before issuing any refund.
Conclusion
Determining sales tax on a vehicle purchase in Wyoming requires consideration of the statewide 4% rate plus any optional county taxes that apply based on location. Use our sales tax calculator to estimate the total tax due, and be prepared for additional registration fees over $150 when titling and registering the vehicle.
Keep paperwork on any tax exemptions you claim. Understanding sales tax rules and proper documentation will make the process of buying, registering, and driving your new vehicle smooth. Our guide provides the key details you need as a Wyoming driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What vehicles are subject to sales tax in Wyoming?
Wyoming requires sales tax to be paid on the purchase of any new or used motor vehicle designed for transporting persons or property on public highways. This includes cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, and trailers. Off-road vehicles may be exempt if not street legal.
2. Is sales tax charged on private party vehicle sales in Wyoming?
Yes, Wyoming requires the buyer to pay 4% sales tax on private party vehicle purchases, just like at a dealership. The buyer is responsible for self-reporting the tax when registering the vehicle with the county treasurer.
3. Can I transfer a car title without paying sales tax in Wyoming?
No, Wyoming will not allow a vehicle title to be transferred until any required sales or use tax is paid. The title application will be rejected if taxes are not paid.
4. How much are vehicle registration fees in Wyoming?
Registration fees in Wyoming average $150-$200 annually for a standard passenger car or truck. This includes the title fee, license plate fee, county registration fee, and highway user fee based on weight. Hybrid vehicles pay an additional $50 fee.
5. Can I deduct sales tax on my business vehicle in Wyoming?
If a vehicle is purchased entirely for business use in Wyoming, the sales tax paid may be deductible as a business expense. You’ll need to provide the DOR with a tax-exempt certificate upon purchase. Consult a tax professional for advice.
