Motor Vehicle Guide
Motor Vehicle Guide
This information describes the sales and use tax topics related to the motor vehicle industry. Use the links in the Guide Menu to see information about that topic.
Starting July 1, 2023:
- The Motor Vehicle Sales Tax rate increased from 6.5% to 6.875%.
- Certain car-sharing programs are exempt from the 9.2% Motor Vehicle Rental Tax. The exemption also modifies which car-sharing programs are subject to the 5% Motor Vehicle Rental Fee. See Short-Term Rentals.
Starting July 1, 2024: Purchases of a motor vehicle by a veteran having a total service-connected disability are exempt from the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax.
Motor Vehicle Sales
Motor Vehicle Sales
Motor Vehicle Sales Tax is due on most motor vehicle sales or transfers.
Tax is due when a title transfers unless an exemption applies. This includes sales by car dealers, leasing companies, private individuals, or any other type of business.
A motor vehicle is any vehicle that requires a license for road use. Examples include:
- Cars
- Motorcycles
- Motor homes
- Pickups
- Trailers
- Commercial and non-commercial trucks
- Semi/Truck-tractors
- Tractors
- Vans
Starting July 1, 2023 the tax rate is 6.875% of the taxable vehicle sales price. Prior to July 1, 2023 the tax rate was 6.5%. This tax is paid to a deputy registrar or Driver and Vehicle Services of the Department of Public Safety when the title is transferred.
Local sales tax does not apply to sales of vehicles. Instead, a local vehicle excise tax may apply. See Local Vehicle Excise Tax.
Calculating the Vehicle Purchase Price
The taxable sales price is determined by subtracting any rebates and trade-in allowance from the vehicle sales price.
Starting July 1, 2023, the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax rate will increase from 6.5% to 6.875%.
Vehicle sales price |
- Rebates |
- Trade-in allowance |
= Taxable sales price of the vehicle |
x 6.875% Motor Vehicle tax rate |
= Motor Vehicle Sales Tax |
Vehicle Sales Price
The taxable sales price includes:
- Price of the vehicle
- Charges for labor performed (e.g., rustproofing, undercoating, dealer preparation, and transportation)
- Charges for accessories (e.g., running boards and mud flaps)
- Federal excise tax when it is imposed at the wholesale level and passed on to the customer
Do not charge tax on:
- Extended warranties
- Federal Excise tax that is imposed at the retail level and separately stated on the customer’s invoice
- Luxury tax on cars
- Registration, license, and document fees
Rebate
Rebates are deducted from the sales price of a motor vehicle before calculating the tax. The rebate must have a fixed value at the time of purchase. This includes manufacturers’ rebates and rebates issued by third parties.
Rebate may be:
- Shown on the purchase agreement as a reduction in the taxable sales price
- Applied as a down payment
- Refunded directly to the customer
Example
A credit card company offers car rebates as an incentive for buyers to use their credit card. The credit card company and vehicle manufacturer entered into a third-party agreement to offer the rebate. The rebate is deducted from the taxable sales price of the vehicle.
Note: Rebates from off-road vehicles – such as watercraft, all-terrain vehicles, and snowmobiles – do not reduce the sales price of a motor vehicle before calculating sales tax.
Trade-In Allowance
A trade-in allowance reduces the sales price when the seller takes a motor vehicle in trade. The type of vehicle being traded in determines which price to calculate the tax on.
What type of vehicle is being purchased? | What type of vehicle is being traded in? | What price is sales tax calculated on? |
---|---|---|
Motor vehicle | Motor vehicle | The purchase price after subtracting the trade-in allowance |
Motor vehicle | Off-road vehicle | The purchase price before subtracting the trade-in allowance |
Electric Vehicle (EV) Credits
The type of electric vehicle (EV) credit and when it is applied will determine how it applies to the purchase price of a motor vehicle.
What type of electric vehicle (EV) credit is being used? | When is the EV credit received? | How is the EV credit handled in the motor vehicle purchase transaction? |
---|---|---|
Federal EV credit | As an upfront downpayment on the purchase of a motor vehicle | The EV credit qualifies as a rebate that reduces the motor vehicle purchase price |
Federal EV credit | As a tax credit on an income tax return the year the motor vehicle was purchased | The EV credit does not qualify as a rebate and does not reduce the motor vehicle purchase price |
Minnesota EV rebate | At the point of sale on the purchase of a motor vehicle | The EV credit qualifies as a rebate that reduces the motor vehicle purchase price |
Minnesota EV rebate | Later, after the motor vehicle was purchased | The EV rebate does not qualify as a rebate and does not reduce the motor vehicle purchase price |
Local Vehicle Excise Taxes
Businesses selling motor vehicles in a county or a city with a vehicle excise tax must collect a $20 tax on each vehicle and report it on their Minnesota sales and use tax return. They must collect the excise tax even if the buyer is not from Minnesota and will register the vehicle in another state.
All buyers must pay local vehicle excise taxes except for:
- Federal government agencies
- Vehicles not required to be licensed for road use (marked police cars, fire trucks, ambulances)
- Vehicles for resale
Note: This fee is not collected by the deputy registrar or the Driver and Vehicle Services of the Department of Public Safety.
• The Minnesota Department of Revenue administers the vehicle excise tax for some counties. See Local Sales and Use Taxes.
• Some cities and counties administer their own excise tax. Contact the city or county directly for more information.
Miscellaneous Motor Vehicle Sales
Miscellaneous Motor Vehicle Sales
Some vehicles have different tax rates than most.
Older Passenger Vehicles
A $10 tax applies, instead of the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax, if the vehicle meets both conditions:
- The vehicle is 10 years or older
- The sales price and average value is less than $3,000
Collector Passenger Vehicles and Fire Trucks
A $150 tax applies, instead of the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax, to qualifying collector passenger vehicles and fire trucks.
Small Price Vehicle Transfer
When a vehicle is transferred at a small price, the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax is calculated on the average value of similar vehicles.
Motor Vehicles Not Registered in Minnesota
When the customer states they will register the vehicle in another state, you must verify the customer’s name and address listed on their driver’s license and the signed contract.
If you can verify this information, the sale is not subject to the Minnesota Motor Vehicle Sales Tax.
Vehicles Owned By a Non-Minnesota Business Entity
When a non-Minnesota business owns a motor vehicle that is operated by a Minnesota resident, it is presumed that the Minnesota resident is the owner of the motor vehicle when two or more of the following are true:
- The business lacks a specific business activity or purpose
- The business maintains no physical presence in the jurisdiction where it is organized
- The business earns de minimis or no revenue
- The business maintains minimal or no business records
- The business fails to employ individuals and does not provide W-2 wage statements
- The business does not file federal income tax returns or fails to file state income tax in the state they are organized
A motor vehicle is under the control of a Minnesota resident when the following conditions are met
- The vehicle is driven by a Minnesota resident
- The resident is a partner, member, or shareholder of the business entity
- The resident is insured to drive the vehicle
- Operates or stores the vehicle in Minnesota for any period of time
Lemon Law
Minnesota’s vehicle warranty statute, also known as Minnesota’s Lemon Law, helps protect buyers who buy or lease a new car, pickup truck, or van that is still under the original manufacturer’s warranty (See Minnesota Statute 325F.665).
For more information, call the Attorney General’s Office at 651-296-3353 or 1-800-657-3787.
If the vehicle qualifies for a refund under the Lemon Law, then the manufacturer is responsible for refunding the sales tax.
Gifted or Donated Vehicles
The motor vehicle sales tax applies to the fair market value of the vehicle at the time of the gift or donation. See the Driver and Vehicle Services of the Department of Public Safety website.
Refunds
If you paid the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax in error on a vehicle, you may request a refund using a Claim for Motor Vehicle Refund form. This form is located on the Driver and Vehicle Services of the Department of Public Safety website.
The Minnesota Department of Revenue does not issue refunds for Motor Vehicle Sales Tax paid in error.
Insurance Reimbursements
If your car is totaled and you receive reimbursement for the value of the vehicle, no sales tax refund is allowed.
Once a title is issued, the tax is not refundable unless it falls under the state Lemon Law.
Tribal Governments and Members
Vehicles sold to a tribal member (all 11 tribes) are not subject to the Motor Vehicle sales tax if the sale meets both of these conditions:
- the purchaser lives on the reservation
- the sale occurs on the reservation (A sale occurs on the reservation when papers are signed, payment is made, or the vehicle is delivered to the purchaser on the reservation.)
For more information, see Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption for Tribal Members.
Local Sales Tax
Some cities and counties have local sales and use taxes. If you are located in or make sales into an area with a local tax, you may owe local sales and use tax. For more information, see Local Sales and Use Taxes.
To determine the sales tax rate, use the location where the product is received by the customer, typically your business or a delivery address. You can use our Sales Tax Rate Map or Sales Tax Rate Calculator to help you determine the sales tax rate.
Note: The map and rate calculator do not include special local taxes.
For more information, see:
Nontaxable Transactions
Nontaxable Transactions
Some vehicle transactions are exempt from Motor Vehicle Tax.
Motor Vehicle Tax Exemptions
Some transactions are exempt from Motor Vehicle tax depending on who purchases the vehicle, as listed in the table below. For these sales, you must keep on file Form PS2000, Application to Title/Register a Vehicle, showing the exemption code.
Who is the customer? | They can buy the following vehicles exempt from Motor Vehicle Tax |
---|---|
Ambulance service | Ambulances sold or leased to an ambulance service (public or private) licensed under Minnesota Statutes 144E.10, including accessory items to initially equip the vehicle and repair and replacement parts. See Emergency Services. |
Disabled veterans | Any vehicle when the purchaser has grant assistance under U.S. Code, title 38, section 3902 Starting July 1, 2024, purchases of a motor vehicle by a veteran having a total service-connected disability are exempt from the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax. |
Federal government and its agencies | All vehicles (purchased, leased, or rented) |
Federally Qualified Health Center | Vehicles used only as mobile medical units for providing medical and dental services by a federal qualified health center. Leases of these vehicles are taxable. |
Library | Vehicles used as bookmobile or delivery vehicle |
Metropolitan Transit Council | Buses (purchased or leased) |
Municipal fire department | Fire trucks, pumper trucks, hook and ladder trucks, and clearly marked trailers, including:
See Emergency Services. |
Nonprofit group | Trucks, buses, or automobiles primarily designed to carry at least 10 people. See Nonprofit Organizations. |
Police department | Marked police patrol vehicles, including accessory items used to initially equip the vehicle |
Private non-profit or public school | Vehicles used as instructional aids in a vehicle body and mechanical repair course Note: This exemption does not include vehicles used in driver education programs |
Public or private transit operations | Vehicle used for transit services. Vehicles used to provide transportation services for the elderly or disabled may also qualify. To qualify, the provider must receive financial assistance or reimbursement under Minnesota Statute 174.24 or 473.384, or operate under Minnesota Statute 174.29, 473.388, or 473.405. |
Ready-mix producer | Ready-mix concrete trucks |
Township | Snowplows, dump trucks, and other motor vehicles used only for road maintenance Note: This exemption does not include automobiles, vans, or pickup trucks and does not apply to purchases by other local governments. |
Volunteer fire department | Fire trucks, pumper trucks, hook and ladder trucks, trailers, or components used to assemble these vehicles, including components to assemble these vehicles, accessories, replacement parts, and repair parts. See Emergency Services. |
Vehicle Disability Accessible Modifications
Charges for parts, accessories, and labor to make a vehicle disability accessible are not taxable. These charges are not taxable even if the purchaser is not the original purchaser of the modifications.
To claim this exemption when buying a vehicle, the applicant must provide a statement describing the modifications and the value. Attach the statement to the application for title of the vehicle.
If the modifications are made after the purchase, the purchaser or owner must give the vendor a completed Form ST3, Certificate of Exemption.
Nontaxable Motor Vehicle Transfers
The following title transfers are not taxable:
- By inheritance, including transferring a motor vehicle inherited upon death
- From joint tenancy to one of the joint tenants for no monetary consideration
- From an individual into the individual’s revocable trust.
- Between husband and wife in a divorce proceeding
- By gift between:
- Spouses
- Parents and a child
- Grandparents and a grandchild
No affidavit is required when a gifted motor vehicle is transferred between these relatives.
- Between related companies as defined in Internal Revenue Code sections 118, 331, 332, 336, 337, 338, 351, 355, 368, 721, 731, 1031, 1033, or 1563(a). For more information, see Isolated and Occasional Sales.
- A gift to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization when the motor vehicle is used exclusively for religious, charitable, or educational purposes
- A gift from a limited used vehicle dealer licensed (nonprofit charitable organization) to an individual – if there is no monetary or other consideration, or the expectation of consideration. The transferring parties must sign an affidavit when transferring the title.
Motor Vehicles Purchased in Other State
If you bought and titled your vehicle under your name for at least 60 days in the other state, tax is not due when you register the vehicle in Minnesota.
If a Minnesota resident registered and paid sales tax to another state, Minnesota allows credit for tax paid to the other state. If the other state’s tax rate is lower, then tax is due on the difference in rates to Minnesota.
Buying For Resale
If a buyer has a dealer’s or lessor’s license and is in the business of selling or leasing vehicles, the purchase for resale is not taxable. Without a dealer’s license, individuals cannot purchase a motor vehicle exempt for resale.
The type of dealer’s license the buyer has restricts what vehicles they can buy for resale. For example, a person licensed as a used car dealer cannot buy a new car exempt for resale. For more information, contact the Dealer’s Unit of the Department of Public Safety at 651-201-7800.
Dealer Plates
Motor vehicle dealers must place dealer plates on any vehicle they buy for resale and use for demonstration purposes, which include use by:
- the dealer, dealer's spouse, or any full-time employee of the dealership
- a part-time employee for business purposes of the dealer
- prospective buyers
It is illegal to use dealer plates on vehicles that are used for other purposes such as loaner vehicles, tow trucks, service trucks, or parts vehicles.
Interstate Motor Carriers
Interstate truckers may have a Motor Carrier Direct Pay authorization that allows them to pay a prorated tax on their vehicle when it is registered with the Department of Public Safety. See Transportation Service Providers.
Off-Road Vehicles
If vehicles are not registered for road use, they are not subject to the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax. See Off-Road Vehicle.
Motor Vehicle Leases
Motor Vehicle Leases
Motor vehicle leases are subject to the Minnesota general rate sales tax and any local sales taxes that apply. Sales tax is collected on the total up-front lease price and reported on your next Sales and Use Tax return.
Up-front leases include:
- New and used vehicles that require a license plate and have a gross vehicle weight rate of 10,000 pounds or less
- Vehicles for business or personal use
- Vehicles principally garaged in Minnesota. Local sales tax also applies if the vehicle is principally garaged in an area with a local tax.
Lease Renewals
Sales tax is due up front for lease renewals. The up-front tax does not apply to rentals of vehicles for 28 days or less or to vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rate of over 10,000 pounds. The federal excise tax on certain heavy trucks is taxable to the lessor on the lease, even if separately stated on the customer’s invoice or contract.
For leases of 28 days or less, see Short-Term Rentals.
Calculating Sales Tax
The total lease price is taxable. To determine the total lease price, subtract any rebates, residual, and trade-in allowance from the vehicle value and add in any taxable add-ons, interest, and finance charges, as shown below:
Vehicle value |
- Rebates |
- Residual value |
- Trade-in allowance |
+ Taxable add-ons |
+ Interest/finance charges |
= Total lease price |
x 6.875% Minnesota general sales tax rate and any local sales taxes that apply |
= Sales tax |
Vehicle Value
The vehicle value is the selling price of the vehicle. It is not necessarily the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. Cash down payments or capitalized cost reductions do not reduce the vehicle value.
Capitalized Cost Reduction
Capitalized cost reduction is an amount or a combination of amounts that reduce a monthly payment. Examples include:
- Cash down payment
- Credit
- Discount
- Rebate
- Trade-in allowance
Rebate
Any rebate, regardless of origin, is deducted from the vehicle value.
Residual Value
Residual value is what a leased vehicle is worth at the end of the lease term. The amount is documented in the lease.
If the customer buys the vehicle at the end of the lease for the residual amount, that amount is taxable. If the residual amount is adjusted, sales tax applies to any additional amount collected by the lessor. For example, if the residual amount is adjusted at the end of the lease due to excess mileage, the additional amount is taxable.
Trade-In Allowance
The trade-in allowance reduces the vehicle value when the lessor accepts a used vehicle as part of the lease transaction. The customer must own (not lease) the trade-in vehicle and must trade it in to the lessor named on the lease agreement.
If the customer owes money on the trade-in vehicle, the payoff amount to a lender does not reduce the trade-in allowance, even if the payoff amount is included in the new lease transaction.
EV Credits and Leases
The type of electric vehicle (EV) credit and when it is applied will determine how it applies to the sales price of a motor vehicle lease.
What type of electric vehicle (EV) credit is being used? | When is the EV credit received? | How is the EV credit handled in the sales price of a motor vehicle lease? |
---|---|---|
Federal EV credit | The EV credit is passed on to the customer at the time the motor vehicle lease is initiated | The EV credit qualifies as a rebate that reduces the sales price |
Federal EV credit | The EV credit is not passed on to the customer at the time the motor vehicle lease is initiated or creates another option that is not used when the lease is initiated | The EV credit does not reduce the sales price |
Minnesota EV rebate | The EV rebate is used at the time the motor vehicle lease is initiated | The EV rebate reduces the sales price |
Minnesota EV rebate | Later, after the customer completed the motor vehicle lease | The EV rebate does not reduce the sales price |
Interest or Finance Charges
Interest or finance charges are the cost to carry the amount capitalized under the lease. The example below shows how to calculate tax on a lease.
Vehicle value | $25,000 |
- Rebates | - $1,000 |
- Residual value | - $10,000 |
- Trade-in allowance | - $5,000 |
+ Taxable add-ons | + $400 |
+ Interest/finance charges | +$2,116 |
= Total lease price | $11,516 |
x 6.875% Minnesota general sales tax rate | |
= Sales tax | $791.73 |
If the customer finances the up-front tax, do not include the associated finance charge in the taxable amount. Instead, spread the tax amount and finance charge over the term of the lease as in the example below:
Taxable amount $11,516.00
Term of lease ÷ 36 months
Base monthly payment $319.88
Capitalized tax amount (791.73 ÷ 36 months) + 21.99
Interest on capitalized tax +1.50
Total lease monthly payment $343.37
Collecting the Tax
Sales tax is collected by the lessor named on the lease. Typically, the dealer is the lessor on the lease; the dealer may later assign the lease to a leasing company.
Lessors must report and pay the tax on their Sales and Use Tax returns. Do not pay the tax to a deputy registrar. If you have local tax to report, report it on the applicable local tax line.
Sales tax on excess mileage fees is collected by the lessor holding the lease contract at the end of the lease.
Sourcing Motor Vehicle Leases
For vehicle leases or rentals, the source of the transaction for sales tax purposes depends on if the customer pays all at once or over time:
- Single payment – sourced to the location where the customer receives the property being leased.
- Multiple payments – sourced to the primary location of the property, which may not be the same location as the business. The primary location is the address the customer provides for the property and does not change by occasional use at different locations.
Note: These rules do not affect how sales tax applies to lump-sum or accelerated-basis leases, or to the acquisition of property for lease.
Nontaxable Charges
Do not charge sales tax on:
- Acquisition, document, title, and registration fees
- Gap and service contract premiums
- Insurance
- Warranty or extended warranty contracts
- Refundable security deposits
Short-Term Rentals
Short-Term Rentals
Short-term motor vehicle rentals are leases of vehicles under an agreement for 28 days or less. Short-term rentals for certain motor vehicles are subject to the following:
- Minnesota general sales tax rate
- Any local taxes that apply
- 9.2% Motor Vehicle Rental Tax
- 5% Motor Vehicle Rental Fee, if applicable
The Motor Vehicle Rental Tax and Fee are due on all rental agreements that meet the following requirements:
- The vehicle is a passenger automobile designed to carry up to 15 passengers including the driver, including:
- Passenger car
- Passenger van with a carrying capacity of 3/4 ton or less (rated by the manufacturer)
- Pickup truck with a carrying capacity of 3/4 ton or less (rated by the manufacturer)
- The agreement period is 28 days or less
- The customer takes possession of the vehicle in Minnesota
Note: The Motor Vehicle Rental Tax and Fee apply to short-term rentals –such as daily or weekly – even if the customer keeps the vehicle for more than 28 days. Because the agreement is for 28 days or less, even if the customer keeps the vehicle for more than 28 days.
Rentals Not Subject to Motor Vehicle Rental Tax and Fee
The 9.2% rental tax and 5% rental fee do not apply to rentals of:
- Ambulances rented to ambulance services
- Box trucks and trailers
- Buses, school buses, or specially licensed commuter vans
- Buses converted to provide temporary living quarters
- Conversion vans equipped with at least four of the following:
- Liquid propane gas cooking stove
- Heating or air-conditioning unit separate from the vehicle engine
- Refrigerator
- Self-contained or externally connected toilet
- Separate electrical power supply
- Water supply system including a sink with a faucet
- Limousines that include the services of a driver
- Limousines used in a burial or funeral services
- Motorcycles and motor scooters
- Motor homes
- Passenger vehicles used to provide licensed taxi services
- Vans designed or adapted primarily for transporting property (with or without a barrier between the operator and the cargo areas)
- Vehicles rented to federal government agencies
- Vehicles that have a camper mounted on the chassis of the vehicle
Note: The 9.2% rental tax and 5% rental fee do not apply to short-term rentals if the vehicle is either:
- exempt from Minnesota general sales tax and local taxes
- not a passenger vehicle, pickup truck, or van as defined in this section
Car Sharing Exemption
Starting July 1, 2023, the 9.2% fee does not apply to vehicles of a nonprofit corporation or similar entity consisting of individual or group members who pay the organization for the use of a motor vehicle. The fee does not apply if the organization:
- Owns, leases, or operates a fleet of vehicles that are available to its members for use on the basis of intervals of one hour or less
- Parks its vehicles in the public right-of-way or at unstaffed, self-service locations that are accessible at any time of the day
- maintains its vehicles, insures its vehicles on behalf of its members, and purchases fuel for its fleet.
Rentals Not Subject to the Motor Vehicle Rental Fee
The 5% rental fee does not apply to rentals by certain nonprofit car-sharing entities whose members pay the organization for the use of a motor vehicle (passenger vehicles, pickup trucks, vans). The fee does not apply if the organization:
- Owns or leases a fleet of vehicles that are available to individual or group members to use for intervals of one hour or less
- Parks its vehicles in the public right-of-way or at unstaffed, self-service locations that are accessible any time of day
- Provides maintenance, insurance, and fuel for the vehicle
Note: Member fees are subject to the state general sales tax, the 9.2% rental tax, and any local taxes that apply.
Motor Vehicle Lessor Exemption
A lessor may choose to be exempt from collecting the 5% rental fee if, in the prior calendar year, the lessor had either:
- No more than 20 motor vehicles available for rent
- $50,000 or less in gross receipts subject to the rental fee
Reporting the 9.2% Rental Tax
Calculate the 9.2% rental tax on the same amount that you use to figure the general state sales tax. Report the calculated tax on the “Car Rentals” line of your sales tax return. Make sure you also report the general sales tax and any applicable local sales taxes on the return.
Reporting the 5% Rental Fee
Calculate the 5% rental fee on the same amount that you use to figure the general state sales tax. You report the fee once a year on your sales tax return.
If your filing cycle is |
Report the 5% rental fee on your |
---|---|
Monthly |
December return |
Quarterly |
October through December return |
Annual |
Annual return (February 5) |
Report the amount of 5% rental fees collected and registration taxes paid on your December Sales and Use Tax return as follows:
1. Enter the total amount of the fees collected during the calendar year in the Amount column on the Car Rental Fee (December)
2. Enter the difference by subtracting the registration taxes paid from the fees collected in the Tax Due on the Car Rental Fee (December).
a. If the difference is less than zero, enter 0 as Tax.
3. Enter the total amount of Minnesota registration taxes paid during the calendar year on the vehicle that you hold for rental purchases in the Amount column on the Registration Taxes Paid line.
If the fees you collected for the year are more than the amount you paid in Minnesota registration taxes on the rental vehicles, you must pay the excess fees with your December Sales Tax return. You cannot take credit or claim a refund for excess registration taxes paid.
Third Party Leases
If you are leasing a vehicle to lease or rent to a third party, you are not required to pay the 9.2% rental tax or the 5% rental fee. Give the vendor a completed Form ST3, Certificate of Exemption. Specify the Resale exemption.
You must charge both the 9.2% rental tax and the 5% rental fee to the third party.
Loaner Vehicles
You must charge sales tax or accrue use tax on loaner vehicle rental fees depending on who pays for use of the vehicle.
If you get the loaner vehicle from a third party, do not pay sales tax or rental fees. Give your vendor a completed Form ST3, Certificate of Exemption. Specify the Resale exemption.
Who is paying for use of the loaner vehicle? |
How is sales and use tax handled? |
---|---|
Customer |
Charge theses taxes on the rental fee:
|
Dealer (dealer absorbs the rental cost) |
If you own the loaner vehicle, accrue use tax on the reasonable rental value, including any local taxes that apply. If you do not own the loaner vehicle, the dealer pays these taxes and fees when they pay the third party for the vehicle:
Note: If you own the vehicle and paid the Motor Vehicle sales tax on the loaner vehicle, no additional tax is due. |
Transportation Assistance Program |
Accrue general state use tax and any local use taxes that apply on the rental fee. |
A third party (under the original manufacturer's warranty) |
No 9.2% rental tax, 5% rental fee, or state or local sales taxes, is due. |
A third party (under an extended warranty) |
Charge these taxes on the rental charge:
|
Service Department Sales
Service Department Sales
Motor vehicle service departments provide many services. Details about these various services and their taxability are provided below.
Repairs
Auto body and automotive repair labor is not taxable when it is separately stated from repair parts on the invoice.
- Parts used to repair or service a vehicle are taxable to the customer. Parts are easily assigned to a repair or service and have a fixed or definite price.
- Repair materials and repair paint are exempt for resale if they become part of the vehicle or are consumed in providing the vehicle repair services. This does not include repair parts.
For more information, see Motor Vehicle Repair and Labor – Installation, Fabrication, Construction, and Repair.
Repair Parts
Do not pay sales or use tax when you purchase these parts to use in your business. Instead, give your supplier a completed Form ST3, Certificate of Exemption. Specify the Resale exemption.
Paint Sealer
Applying paint sealer is not a taxable service unless it is part of the initial sale of a vehicle. Paint sealer is exempt only when it is applied as part of the original sale of the motor vehicle.
Subcontracted Repairs and Services
If you subcontract with another business for repair work or services, do not pay sales or use tax on your purchase. Instead, give the subcontractor a completed Form ST3, Certificate of Exemption. Specify the Resale exemption. You must charge sales tax to your customer for any taxable subcontracted labor, parts, or materials. Charges for repair labor are not taxable.
Towing Services
Towing a motor vehicle, including any fees relating to the service, is taxable. See Towing, Cleaning, and Rustproofing Services.
Cleaning and Rustproofing Services
The following services are taxable
- Applying fabric protector
- Interior and exterior cleaning services
- Rustproofing
- Undercoating
- Washing and waxing
For more information, see Towing, Cleaning, and Rustproofing Services.
Free Car Wash
The customer owes no sales tax on a free car wash. However, you owe sales or use tax on the cost of the materials to provide the free car wash.
Materials Used in Taxable Services
Some materials used or consumed in providing taxable washing, waxing, cleaning, rustproofing, undercoating, and towing services are exempt from tax. You must use the materials directly in providing the service to qualify for the exemption.
Give your vendor a completed Form ST3, Certificate of Exemption. Specify the Resale exemption.
For more information, see Towing, Cleaning, and Rustproofing Services.
Upgrades, Enhancements, and Maintenance
Labor to add or install something new or different to a vehicle is taxable. The installed parts are also taxable to the customer. Examples include:
- Installing remote starters, navigation systems, and sunroofs
- Installing bug deflectors and running boards
- Upgrading a sound system
- Installing customized vehicle accessories; such as adding dual exhaust, adding fuel injector control chips, etc.
- Adding power locks, remote starters, cruise control, or window defrosters
- Installing a remote car starter or theft alarms
For more information, see Motor Vehicle Repair.
Warranties, Recalls, and Service Contracts
Warranties, Recalls, and Service Contracts
Taxable and nontaxable items and services vary when dealing with warranties, recalls, and service contracts.
Optional Maintenance Contracts
Optional maintenance contracts provide prepaid coverage for maintaining a vehicle. These contracts include taxable items and nontaxable repair labor for one price.
Examples include:
- Oil changes
- Tire rotation
- Wheel balancing
Optional maintenance contracts are taxable, unless the cost of the taxable items is insignificant and is not easily measured. No sales or use tax is due when the contracted maintenance is performed.
If an optional maintenance contract is sold with a motor vehicle, then the contract is taxed at the 6.875% general sales tax rate and applicable local taxes.
Repair Under Warranties and Service Contracts
Parts that are replaced or repaired under a warranty, recall, or service contract are taxed differently based on the terms of the agreement.
Manufacturer’s Warranty or Recall
Repair labor or replacement parts are not taxable when they are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty or recall. The parts used are considered an exchange of inventory.
Used Car Warranty
Used car dealers in Minnesota must provide a warranty with the sale of certain used cars. If you sell such a vehicle and later make repairs under the warranty, no tax applies to the parts used in the repair.
Rebuilt Parts
Repair or replacement parts covered by a warranty or guarantee are not taxable when included in the purchase price of a rebuilt engine, transmission, etc.
Extended Warranty Contracts
Extended warranties to cover unexpected repair costs are not taxable. Sales or use tax does apply to the parts used for contracted repairs. The following examples will tell you when tax is due and who pays it.
If the warranty states |
Then you must |
---|---|
No cost to customer for parts |
Pay sales or use tax on your cost of the parts |
Customer is responsible for a percentage of parts and labor |
Charge the customer sales tax on the amount for parts only |
Customer pays a deductible for parts or labor |
Pay sales or use tax on your cost of the parts. The deductible payment is not taxable. |
Purchases and Use Tax
Purchases and Use Tax
TAXABLE PURCHASES | EXAMPLES |
---|---|
General items |
|
Taxable services |
For more information, see a complete list of taxable services. |
Advertising materials For more information, see Advertising. |
|
Use of Dealer Owned Vehicle
When you use a vehicle purchased for resale, for a purpose other than for demonstration, you owe use tax on the reasonable rental value or sales tax on the vehicle’s full value.
For more information on the reasonable rental value, see Revenue Notice 05-05: Sales and Use Tax - Definition of Reasonable Rental Value of Motor Vehicles.
Use Tax
If you buy equipment, supplies, or other taxable items for your business and the seller does not charge Minnesota sales tax, you owe use tax on the cost of the items. If your business is located in an area with a local tax, you may also owe local use tax.
Some common situations where you may owe use tax include:
- You buy taxable items or services online without paying sales tax
- You withdraw an item from inventory to use (instead of selling it), donate, or give away
- You buy taxable items outside of Minnesota
- You buy taxable items in another Minnesota city or county with a lower (or no) local sales tax
For more information, see Use Tax for Businesses and Local Sales and Use Taxes.
Legal References and Resources
Legal References and Resources
The legal references and resources related to the motor vehicle industry are listed.
Minnesota Statutes
- 144E.10, Ambulance service licensing
- 168.27, subd. 16, Dealer plates
- 297A.61, Definitions
- 297A.64, Rental motor vehicle tax imposed
- 297A.67, General exemptions
- 297A.815, Motor vehicle leases
- 297A.90, Interstate motor carriers as retailers
- 297A.992, subd. 2. Authorization; rates
- 297B.02, Tax imposed
Minnesota Rules
Revenue Notices
- 96-20, Sales and Use Tax – Exemption for Rebates to Purchase Motor Vehicles
- 05-05, Sales and Use Tax – Definition of Reasonable Rental Value of Motor Vehicles
- 06-08, Sales and Use Tax – Motor Vehicle Leases-Taxes and Fee
- 16-03, Optional Warranty and Maintenance Contracts on Equipment
Fact Sheets
- Advertising
- Laundry and Cleaning Service
- Lawn and Garden Maintenance, Tree and Shrub Services
- Tribal Governments and Members
- Use Tax for Businesses
Guides
- Building Cleaning and Maintenance
- Emergency Services
- Government – Federal and Foreign Diplomats
- Government – Local Governments
- Government – State Agencies
- Local Sales and Use Taxes
- Motor Vehicle Repair
- Off-Road Vehicle
- Sales and Use Tax Business Guide
- Towing, Cleaning, and Rustproofing
- Transportation Service Providers
- Vending Machines and Other Coin-Operated Device