Nebraska car tax

Nebraska charges a yearly motor vehicle tax in place of property tax, paid at the county treasurer when you register. A base tax is set by the car's MSRP bracket when new, then cut by an age percentage until it reaches zero at 14 years. Registration also adds a motor vehicle fee and fixed registration fees.

Neb. Rev. Stat. §60-3,185 to 60-3,187. Motor vehicle tax = base tax for the MSRP bracket × 100%, 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 51%, 42%, 33%, 24% in registration years 1–9, 15% in years 10–11, 7% in years 12–13, and nothing from year 14. A salvage-branded title cuts the tax 25%. The motor vehicle fee (§60-3,190) and registration fees are billed separately.

Nebraska car tax calculator

Original MSRP$Model year

Yearly car tax$464≈ $39/month

MSRP $35,000 ($34,000–$35,999 (base tax $580)), vehicle age 2 yr: $464 from the state table

Based on the manufacturer's original list price (MSRP), not what you paid. Your bill may be prorated for months you owned the car.

How the tax drops as a $35,000 car ages in Nebraska

$580Year 1

$522Year 2

$464Year 3

$406Year 4

$348Year 5

$296Year 6

$244Year 7

Same car, each year of ownership. The rate falls as the car gets older.

Buying a car in Nebraska: one-time tax

Nebraska sales/use tax on motor vehicles — 5.5%, plus local sales tax where you live. Your trade-in is subtracted before tax.

Price$Trade-in$

State tax$1,9255.5%

Local option sales tax for your home address is collected by the county treasurer when you register.

Registration and due dates

Passenger car registration is $15, plus $2 DMV, $1.50 recreation road, and $1.50 county fees. Plates cost $4.10 when issued. EVs pay a $150 alternative fuel fee.

Paid every year with registration renewal at the county treasurer, by the end of the registration month.

Cut what your car costs in Nebraska

Car tax is set by your town, but your loan and insurance aren't. Refinancing a car loan at a lower rate often saves more each year than the tax itself.

Check refinance rates →

Questions

How is Nebraska motor vehicle tax calculated?

Find the base tax for the car's MSRP when new. A $30,000 car has a $500 base. Multiply it by the age fraction: 100% in year one, 90% in year two, down to 0% from year 14.

Where does the money go?

To your county, school district, and city or village, based on where the car is kept.

Is there an extra fee besides the tax?

Yes. The motor vehicle fee (§60-3,190) and the fixed registration fees are added.

Sources

Last checked October 14, 2026. Rates are for passenger cars owned by individuals; leased, business and specialty vehicles can differ. Confirm with your tax collector or commissioner of the revenue.