Personal Property Tax
How personal property tax on cars and boats works, how to work out your bill, which part you can deduct, and a calculator.
Personal property tax calculator
What personal property tax is
Personal property tax is an annual tax on movable property, most often cars, trucks, boats and RVs, and in some states business equipment. About half the states tax vehicles this way; the bill is usually the car's assessed value times a local rate, often quoted per $100 of value. Some states assess only part of the value, and some give relief credits.
Is personal property tax deductible?
Yes, if you itemize, but only the part that is based on value and charged yearly (IRS Topic 503). Flat registration fees, weight-based fees and decal charges aren't deductible. The deductible part goes on Schedule A line 5c with your other state and local taxes, inside the 2026 SALT cap of $40,400 (lower above $505,000 of income). See itemized deductions.
Example: a car valued at $25,000 at $3.70 per $100 owes $925 plus a $30 fee; $925 is deductible. Property taxed by value is an ad valorem tax.
Common questions
Is personal property tax deductible?
Yes, the part based on value and charged yearly, if you itemize.
Are car registration fees deductible?
Only the part based on the car's value; flat or weight-based fees aren't.
Where do I deduct personal property tax?
Schedule A line 5c, within the SALT cap.
Sources
More paycheck and tax calculators: Medicaid · Medical Savings Account (Archer MSA) · S Corp · Short Term Disability Insurance
Related
General information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Check important numbers with the official source before acting on them.