Salem car tax
A car worth $25,000 in Salem, VA pays about $574 a year in personal property tax ($3.4 per $100 · 43.5% relief).
Salem car tax calculator
- Assessed value: $25,000
- Gross tax: $25,000 × $3.4 per $100 = $850
- State car tax relief (PPTRA 43.5% on the first $20,000): −$295.80
- Local fees: Vehicle license fee $20
Towns value cars from pricing guides (J.D. Power), not what you paid. Your bill may be prorated for months you owned the car.
Car tax in Salem by car value
| Car value | Yearly tax | Per month |
|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | $212 | $18 |
| $15,000 | $308 | $26 |
| $20,000 | $404 | $34 |
| $25,000 | $574 | $48 |
| $30,000 | $744 | $62 |
| $40,000 | $1,084 | $90 |
| $50,000 | $1,424 | $119 |
| $75,000 | $2,274 | $190 |
Buying a car in Virginia: one-time tax
Virginia motor vehicle sales and use tax — 4.15%. Trade-ins don't reduce the tax.
The minimum is $75. The tax is on the gross price with no deduction for a trade-in (§58.1-2401).
Cut what your car costs in Salem
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.
Questions
What is the car tax rate in Salem, VA?
$3.4 per $100 · 43.5% relief for 2026.
How is car tax calculated in Salem?
Assessed value: $25,000 → Gross tax: $25,000 × $3.4 per $100 = $850 → State car tax relief (PPTRA 43.5% on the first $20,000): −$295.80 → Local fees: Vehicle license fee $20
How much is car tax on a $30,000 car in Salem?
About $744 a year.
When is car tax due in Salem?
May 31
How is Virginia car tax calculated?
Value × the local rate per $100. For a qualifying personal car, the PPTRA relief % is then subtracted from the tax on the first $20,000 of value.
What is PPTRA car tax relief?
State-funded relief on the first $20,000 of value of a personal-use car. Each locality sets the % from its fixed share of state money.
Sources
- Salem Car Tax Reform
- Salem Assessment Procedures 2026
- Salem Personal Property FAQ
- Virginia Department of Taxation – Local Tax Rates, Tax Year 2025 (Tables 1–2)
- UVA Weldon Cooper Center – Virginia Local Tax Rates 2025 data file
- Code of Va. §58.1-3524 (PPTRA)
- Code of Va. §58.1-2402
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.