Do you pay sales tax on a lease buyout?
Key takeaways
- The additional cost of sales tax on a lease buyout varies by the state you live in and depends on the terms written in the lease.
- In some cases, the sales tax may have already been included in your monthly lease payments.
- Like traditional auto loans, you can finance a lease buyout through a bank, credit union or online lender.
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.
What is a lease buyout?
A lease buyout, 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 lease’s end — plus any applicable taxes and fees. Not all leases allow for a lease buyout, so read the terms and conditions of your lease.
Do you pay sales tax on a leased car buyout?
Depending on your state and lease terms, you may have already paid all of the required sales tax. It’s possible the state you live in requires the tax to be rolled into your monthly payment. 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 lease payments 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 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 calculate the car’s residual value. Your lease payments are determined in part by the difference between the car’s original value and residual.
The best way to calculate the 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 to learn 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 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 help you decide 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.
Frequently asked questions
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Yes, you can borrow money to purchase a leased vehicle. Lenders like Gravity, RefiJet and MyAutoLoan offer these types of loans.
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While making a down payment when buying out your lease is not required, it can decrease your monthly payment and help you save money in the long term.
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Like auto loan rates, lease buyout rates vary by lender and are dependent on several factors. Lease buyout rates tend to be similar to used car purchase rates and refinance rates. Check out current interest rates to gauge the APR you can expect.
