Used Car Tax Calculator: What a Private Sale Actually Costs

How much tax do you pay on a used car bought privately in Canada?

It depends on the province. Alberta charges no provincial sales tax on a private sale. Every other province charges provincial tax (RST, PST, QST, or PVT depending on the province) on the greater of the price you paid or the vehicle's wholesale book value, at rates from 6% to 15%. Pick your province above to see the rate and an estimate.

Why does this calculator call the tax figure an estimate, not my actual tax?

Nine of the ten provinces tax the greater of the price you paid or the vehicle's wholesale (Red Book or Black Book) value, not the price alone. This tool only knows the price you entered, not the vehicle's book value, so it computes tax on price and labels it a floor estimate. If the book value is higher, the real tax will be higher too.

Is a used car tax-free in Alberta?

Yes, for a private sale. Alberta is the only province with no provincial sales tax on a privately purchased used vehicle. You still pay registration and any inspection cost.