Virginia Law

Virginia Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Virginia Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Act."

Code 1950, § 58-685.10; 1966, c. 587; 1984, c. 675.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles of the Commonwealth.

"Department" means the Department of Motor Vehicles of the Commonwealth, acting through its duly authorized officers and agents.

"Mobile office" means an industrialized building unit not subject to the federal regulation, which may be constructed on a chassis for the purpose of towing to the point of use and designed to be used with or without a permanent foundation, for commercial use and not for residential use; or two or more such units separately towable, but designed to be joined together at the point of use to form a single commercial structure, and which may be designed for removal to, and installation or erection on other sites.

"Motor vehicle" means every vehicle, except for mobile office as herein defined, that is self-propelled or designed for self-propulsion and every vehicle drawn by or designed to be drawn by a motor vehicle, including all-terrain vehicles, manufactured homes, mopeds, and off-road motorcycles as those terms are defined in § 46.2-100 and every device in, upon and by which any person or property is, or can be, transported or drawn upon a highway, but excepting devices moved by human or animal power, devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks and vehicles, other than manufactured homes, used in the Commonwealth but not required to be licensed by the Commonwealth.

"Sale" means any transfer of ownership or possession, by exchange or barter, conditional or otherwise, in any manner or by any means whatsoever, of a motor vehicle. "Sale" also includes a transaction whereby possession is transferred but title is retained by the seller as security. "Sale" does not include a transfer of ownership or possession made to secure payment of an obligation, nor does it include a refund for, or replacement of, a motor vehicle of equivalent or lesser value pursuant to the Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act (§ 59.1-207.9 et seq.). Where the replacement motor vehicle is of greater value than the motor vehicle replaced, only the difference in value shall constitute a sale.

"Sale price" means the total price paid for a motor vehicle and all attachments thereon and accessories thereto, as determined by the Commissioner, exclusive of any federal manufacturers' excise tax, without any allowance or deduction for trade-ins or unpaid liens or encumbrances. However, "sale price" does not include (i) any manufacturer rebate or manufacturer incentive payment applied to the transaction by the customer or dealer whether as a reduction in the sales price or as payment for the vehicle and (ii) the cost of controls, lifts, automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes or any other equipment installed in or added to a motor vehicle that is required by law or regulation as a condition for operation of a motor vehicle by an individual with a disability.

Code 1950, §§ 58-685.11, 58-685.13, 58-685.13:2; 1966, c. 587; 1968, c. 321; 1970, cc. 409, 489; 1972, cc. 302, 680; 1973, c. 207; 1974, c. 477; 1976, cc. 567, 610; 1977, c. 537; 1978, cc. 656, 758, 766; 1979, cc. 310, 436; 1982, c. 541; 1983, c. 386; 1984, c. 675; 1986, Sp. Sess., c. 11; 1995, c. 50; 1997, cc. 283, 853; 1999, c. 77; 2011, cc. 405, 639; 2013, c. 766; 2018, cc. 838, 840; 2023, cc. 148, 149.

A. (For contingent expiration date — see Acts 2019, c. 52, cl. 2) There is hereby levied, in addition to all other taxes and fees of every kind now imposed by law, a tax upon the sale or use of motor vehicles in Virginia, other than a sale to or use by a person for rental as an established business or part of an established business or incidental or germane to such business.

The amount of the tax to be collected shall be determined by the Commissioner by the application of the following rates against the gross sales price:

1. Three percent through midnight on June 30, 2013, four percent beginning July 1, 2013, through midnight on June 30, 2014, 4.05 percent beginning July 1, 2014, through midnight on June 30, 2015, 4.1 percent beginning July 1, 2015, through midnight on June 30, 2016, and 4.15 percent beginning on and after July 1, 2016, of the sale price of each motor vehicle sold in Virginia. If such motor vehicle is a manufactured home as defined in § 36-85.3, the tax shall be three percent of the sale price of each such manufactured home sold in the Commonwealth; if such vehicle is a mobile office as defined in § 58.1-2401, the tax shall be two percent of the sale price of each mobile office sold in the Commonwealth; if such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more and is neither (i) a manufactured home as defined in § 36-85.3, (ii) a mobile office as defined in § 58.1-2401, (iii) a trailer or semitrailer as severally defined in § 46.2-100 that is not designed or used to carry property, nor (iv) a vehicle registered under § 46.2-700, the tax shall be zero percent of the sale price of each such vehicle sold in the Commonwealth; and if such vehicle is an all-terrain vehicle, moped, or off-road motorcycle, as those terms are defined in § 46.2-100, sold by a Virginia dealer, or, if sold by anyone other than a Virginia dealer, used or stored for use (a) in a county or city located in a planning district described in § 58.1-603.1, the tax shall be six percent of the sales price of each such vehicle or (b) in any county or city other than those set forth in clause (a), the tax shall be 5.3 percent of the sales price of each such vehicle. In any city or county located within the Historic Triangle, as defined in § 58.1-603.2, an additional one percent tax shall be imposed in addition to the tax prescribed in clause (a) if such vehicle is an all-terrain vehicle, moped, or off-road motorcycle.

2. Three percent through midnight on June 30, 2013, four percent beginning July 1, 2013, through midnight on June 30, 2014, 4.05 percent beginning July 1, 2014, through midnight on June 30, 2015, 4.1 percent beginning July 1, 2015, through midnight on June 30, 2016, and 4.15 percent beginning on and after July 1, 2016, of the sale price of each motor vehicle, not sold in Virginia but used or stored for use in the Commonwealth; or three percent of the sale price of each manufactured home as defined in § 36-85.3, or two percent of the sale price of each mobile office as defined in § 58.1-2401, not sold in Virginia but used or stored for use in this Commonwealth. If such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more and is neither (i) a manufactured home as defined in § 36-85.3, (ii) a mobile office as defined in § 58.1-2401, (iii) a trailer or semitrailer as severally defined in § 46.2-100 that is not designed or used to carry property, nor (iv) a vehicle registered under § 46.2-700, the tax shall be zero percent of the sale price of each such vehicle not sold in the Commonwealth but used or stored for use in the Commonwealth. If such vehicle is an all-terrain vehicle, moped, or off-road motorcycle, as those terms are defined in § 46.2-100, not sold in the Commonwealth but used or stored for use in the Commonwealth (a) in a county or city located in a planning district described in § 58.1-603.1, the tax shall be six percent of the sales price of each such vehicle or (b) in any county or city other than those set forth in clause (a), the tax shall be 5.3 percent of the sales price of each such vehicle. In any city or county located within the Historic Triangle, as defined in § 58.1-603.2, an additional one percent tax shall be imposed in addition to the tax prescribed in clause (a) if such vehicle is an all-terrain vehicle, moped, or off-road motorcycle. When any motor vehicle or manufactured home not sold in the Commonwealth is first used or stored for use in Virginia six months or more after its acquisition, the tax shall be based on its current market value.

3. The minimum tax levied on the sale of any motor vehicle in the Commonwealth that is subject to taxation at a rate exceeding zero percent shall be $75, except as provided by those exemptions defined in § 58.1-2403. This subdivision shall not apply to any all-terrain vehicle, moped, or off-road motorcycle subject to taxation under this chapter.

A. (For contingent effective date — see Acts 2019, c. 52, cl. 2) There is hereby levied, in addition to all other taxes and fees of every kind now imposed by law, a tax upon the sale or use of motor vehicles in Virginia, other than a sale to or use by a person for rental as an established business or part of an established business or incidental or germane to such business.

The amount of the tax to be collected shall be determined by the Commissioner by the application of the following rates against the gross sales price:

1. Three percent through midnight on June 30, 2013, four percent beginning July 1, 2013, through midnight on June 30, 2014, 4.05 percent beginning July 1, 2014, through midnight on June 30, 2015, 4.1 percent beginning July 1, 2015, through midnight on June 30, 2016, and 4.15 percent beginning on and after July 1, 2016, of the sale price of each motor vehicle sold in Virginia. If such motor vehicle is a manufactured home as defined in § 36-85.3, the tax shall be three percent of the sale price of each such manufactured home sold in the Commonwealth; if such vehicle is a mobile office as defined in § 58.1-2401, the tax shall be two percent of the sale price of each mobile office sold in the Commonwealth; if such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more and is neither (i) a manufactured home as defined in § 36-85.3, (ii) a mobile office as defined in § 58.1-2401, (iii) a trailer or semitrailer as severally defined in § 46.2-100 that is not designed or used to carry property, nor (iv) a vehicle registered under § 46.2-700, the tax shall be zero percent of the sale price of each such vehicle sold in the Commonwealth; and if such vehicle is an all-terrain vehicle, moped, or off-road motorcycle, as those terms are defined in § 46.2-100, sold by a Virginia dealer, or, if sold by anyone other than a Virginia dealer, used or stored for use (a) in a county or city located in a planning district described in § 58.1-603.1, the tax shall be six percent of the sales price of each such vehicle or (b) in any county or city other than those set forth in clause (a), the tax shall be 5.3 percent of the sales price of each such vehicle.

2. Three percent through midnight on June 30, 2013, four percent beginning July 1, 2013, through midnight on June 30, 2014, 4.05 percent beginning July 1, 2014, through midnight on June 30, 2015, 4.1 percent beginning July 1, 2015, through midnight on June 30, 2016, and 4.15 percent beginning on and after July 1, 2016, of the sale price of each motor vehicle, not sold in Virginia but used or stored for use in the Commonwealth; or three percent of the sale price of each manufactured home as defined in § 36-85.3, or two percent of the sale price of each mobile office as defined in § 58.1-2401, not sold in Virginia but used or stored for use in this Commonwealth. If such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more and is neither (i) a manufactured home as defined in § 36-85.3, (ii) a mobile office as defined in § 58.1-2401, (iii) a trailer or semitrailer as severally defined in § 46.2-100 that is not designed or used to carry property, nor (iv) a vehicle registered under § 46.2-700, the tax shall be zero percent of the sale price of each such vehicle not sold in the Commonwealth but used or stored for use in the Commonwealth. If such vehicle is an all-terrain vehicle, moped, or off-road motorcycle, as those terms are defined in § 46.2-100, not sold in the Commonwealth but used or stored for use in the Commonwealth (a) in a county or city located in a planning district described in § 58.1-603.1, the tax shall be six percent of the sales price of each such vehicle or (b) in any county or city other than those set forth in clause (a), the tax shall be 5.3 percent of the sales price of each such vehicle. When any motor vehicle or manufactured home not sold in the Commonwealth is first used or stored for use in Virginia six months or more after its acquisition, the tax shall be based on its current market value.

3. The minimum tax levied on the sale of any motor vehicle in the Commonwealth that is subject to taxation at a rate exceeding zero percent shall be $75, except as provided by those exemptions defined in § 58.1-2403. This subdivision shall not apply to any all-terrain vehicle, moped, or off-road motorcycle subject to taxation under this chapter.

B. A transaction taxed under subdivision A 1 shall not also be taxed under subdivision A 2, nor shall the same transaction be taxed more than once under either subdivision.

C. Any motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer exempt from this tax under subdivision 1 or 2 of § 58.1-2403 shall be subject to the tax, based on the current market value when such vehicle is no longer owned or used by the United States government or any governmental agency, or the Commonwealth of Virginia or any political subdivision thereof, unless such vehicle is then rented, in which case the tax imposed by § 58.1-1736 shall apply, subject to the exemptions provided in § 58.1-1737. Further, any motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer exempt from the tax imposed by this chapter under subdivision 11 of § 58.1-2403 or §§ 46.2-663 through 46.2-674 shall be subject to the tax, based on the current market value, when such vehicle is subsequently licensed to operate on the highways of the Commonwealth.

D. Any person who with intent to evade or to aid another person to evade the tax provided for herein falsely states the selling price of a vehicle on a bill of sale, assignment of title, application for title, or any other document or paper submitted to the Commissioner pursuant to any provisions of this title or Title 46.2 shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

E. Effective January 1, 1997, any amount designated as a "processing fee" and any amount charged by a dealer for processing a transaction, which is required to be included on a buyer's order pursuant to subdivision A 10 of § 46.2-1530, shall be subject to the tax.

Code 1950, §§ 58-685.12, 58-685.12:1; 1966, c. 587; 1970, c. 675; 1974, c. 477; 1976, cc. 567, 610; 1977, c. 537; 1981, c. 145; 1984, c. 675; 1985, c. 123; 1986, Sp. Sess., cc. 10, 11; 1988, c. 372; 1992, c. 384; 1993, c. 159; 1994, c. 527; 1996, c. 1047; 1997, cc. 283, 853; 2004, c. 522; 2005, c. 449; 2011, cc. 405, 639, 881, 889; 2012, cc. 22, 111; 2013, c. 766; 2018, cc. 838, 840; 2019, c. 52.

A. (For contingent expiration date — see Acts 2019, c. 52, cl. 2) There is hereby levied, in addition to all other taxes and fees of every kind now imposed by law, a tax upon the sale or use of motor vehicles in Virginia, other than a sale to or use by a person for rental as an established business or part of an established business or incidental or germane to such business.

The amount of the tax to be collected shall be determined by the Commissioner by the application of the following rates against the gross sales price:

1. Three percent of the sale price of each motor vehicle sold in Virginia. If such motor vehicle is a manufactured home as defined in § 36-85.3, the tax shall be three percent of the sale price of each such manufactured home sold in the Commonwealth; if such vehicle is a mobile office as defined in § 58.1-2401, the tax shall be two percent of the sale price of each mobile office sold in the Commonwealth; if such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more and is neither (i) a manufactured home as defined in § 36-85.3, (ii) a mobile office as defined in § 58.1-2401, (iii) a trailer or semitrailer as severally defined in § 46.2-100 that is not designed or used to carry property, nor (iv) a vehicle registered under § 46.2-700, the tax shall be zero percent of the sale price of each such vehicle sold in the Commonwealth; and if such vehicle is an all-terrain vehicle, moped, or off-road motorcycle, as those terms are defined in § 46.2-100, the tax shall be five percent of the sales price of each such vehicle; except that in any city or county located within the Historic Triangle, as defined in § 58.1-603.2, the tax shall be six percent of the sales price of each such vehicle.

2. Three percent of the sale price of each motor vehicle, or three percent of the sale price of each manufactured home as defined in § 36-85.3, or two percent of the sale price of each mobile office as defined in § 58.1-2401, not sold in Virginia but used or stored for use in the Commonwealth. If such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more and is neither (i) a manufactured home as defined in § 36-85.3, (ii) a mobile office as defined in § 58.1-2401, (iii) a trailer or semitrailer as severally defined in § 46.2-100 that is not designed or used to carry property, nor (iv) a vehicle registered under § 46.2-700, the tax shall be zero percent of the sale price of each such vehicle not sold in the Commonwealth but used or stored for use in the Commonwealth. If such vehicle is an all-terrain vehicle, moped, or off-road motorcycle, as those terms are defined in § 46.2-100, not sold in the Commonwealth but used or stored for use in the Commonwealth, the tax shall be five percent of the sales price of each such vehicle, except that in any city or county located within the Historic Triangle, as defined in § 58.1-603.2, the tax shall be six percent of the sales price of each such vehicle. When any motor vehicle or manufactured home not sold in the Commonwealth is first used or stored for use in Virginia six months or more after its acquisition, the tax shall be based on its current market value.

3. The minimum tax levied on the sale of any motor vehicle in the Commonwealth that is subject to taxation at a rate exceeding zero percent shall be $35, except as provided by those exemptions defined in § 58.1-2403. This subdivision shall not apply to any all-terrain vehicle, moped, or off-road motorcycle subject to taxation under this chapter.

A. (For contingent effective date — see Acts 2019, c. 52, cl. 2) There is hereby levied, in addition to all other taxes and fees of every kind now imposed by law, a tax upon the sale or use of motor vehicles in Virginia, other than a sale to or use by a person for rental as an established business or part of an established business or incidental or germane to such business.

The amount of the tax to be collected shall be determined by the Commissioner by the application of the following rates against the gross sales price:

1. Three percent of the sale price of each motor vehicle sold in Virginia. If such motor vehicle is a manufactured home as defined in § 36-85.3, the tax shall be three percent of the sale price of each such manufactured home sold in the Commonwealth; if such vehicle is a mobile office as defined in § 58.1-2401, the tax shall be two percent of the sale price of each mobile office sold in the Commonwealth; if such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more and is neither (i) a manufactured home as defined in § 36-85.3, (ii) a mobile office as defined in § 58.1-2401, (iii) a trailer or semitrailer as severally defined in § 46.2-100 that is not designed or used to carry property, nor (iv) a vehicle registered under § 46.2-700, the tax shall be zero percent of the sale price of each such vehicle sold in the Commonwealth; and if such vehicle is an all-terrain vehicle, moped, or off-road motorcycle, as those terms are defined in § 46.2-100, the tax shall be five percent of the sales price of each such vehicle.

2. Three percent of the sale price of each motor vehicle, or three percent of the sale price of each manufactured home as defined in § 36-85.3, or two percent of the sale price of each mobile office as defined in § 58.1-2401, not sold in Virginia but used or stored for use in the Commonwealth. If such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more and is neither (i) a manufactured home as defined in § 36-85.3, (ii) a mobile office as defined in § 58.1-2401, (iii) a trailer or semitrailer as severally defined in § 46.2-100 that is not designed or used to carry property, nor (iv) a vehicle registered under § 46.2-700, the tax shall be zero percent of the sale price of each such vehicle not sold in the Commonwealth but used or stored for use in the Commonwealth. If such vehicle is an all-terrain vehicle, moped, or off-road motorcycle, as those terms are defined in § 46.2-100, not sold in the Commonwealth but used or stored for use in the Commonwealth, the tax shall be five percent of the sales price of each such vehicle. When any motor vehicle or manufactured home not sold in the Commonwealth is first used or stored for use in Virginia six months or more after its acquisition, the tax shall be based on its current market value.

3. The minimum tax levied on the sale of any motor vehicle in the Commonwealth that is subject to taxation at a rate exceeding zero percent shall be $35, except as provided by those exemptions defined in § 58.1-2403. This subdivision shall not apply to any all-terrain vehicle, moped, or off-road motorcycle subject to taxation under this chapter.

B. A transaction taxed under subdivision A 1 shall not also be taxed under subdivision A 2, nor shall the same transaction be taxed more than once under either subdivision.

C. Any motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer exempt from this tax under subdivision 1 or 2 of § 58.1-2403 shall be subject to the tax, based on the current market value when such vehicle is no longer owned or used by the United States government or any governmental agency, or the Commonwealth of Virginia or any political subdivision thereof, unless such vehicle is then rented, in which case the tax imposed by § 58.1-1736 shall apply, subject to the exemptions provided in § 58.1-1737. Further, any motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer exempt from the tax imposed by this chapter under subdivision 11 of § 58.1-2403 or §§ 46.2-663 through 46.2-674 shall be subject to the tax, based on the current market value, when such vehicle is subsequently licensed to operate on the highways of the Commonwealth.

D. Any person who with intent to evade or to aid another person to evade the tax provided for herein falsely states the selling price of a vehicle on a bill of sale, assignment of title, application for title, or any other document or paper submitted to the Commissioner pursuant to any provisions of this title or Title 46.2 shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

E. Effective January 1, 1997, any amount designated as a "processing fee" and any amount charged by a dealer for processing a transaction, which is required to be included on a buyer's order pursuant to subdivision A 10 of § 46.2-1530, shall be subject to the tax.

Code 1950, §§ 58-685.12, 58-685.12:1; 1966, c. 587; 1970, c. 675; 1974, c. 477; 1976, cc. 567, 610; 1977, c. 537; 1981, c. 145; 1984, c. 675; 1985, c. 123; 1986, Sp. Sess., cc. 10, 11; 1988, c. 372; 1992, c. 384; 1993, c. 159; 1994, c. 527; 1996, c. 1047; 1997, cc. 283, 853; 2004, c. 522; 2005, c. 449; 2011, cc. 405, 639, 881, 889; 2012, cc. 22, 111; 2018, cc. 838, 840; 2019, c. 52.

Repealed by Acts 2009, cc. 864 and 871, cl. 5.

No tax shall be imposed as provided in § 58.1-2402 if the vehicle is:

1. Sold to or used by the United States government or any governmental agency thereof;

2. Sold to or used by the Commonwealth of Virginia or any political subdivision thereof;

3. Registered in the name of a volunteer fire department or volunteer emergency medical services agency not operated for profit;

4. Registered to any member of the Mattaponi, Pamunkey, or Chickahominy Indian tribes or any other recognized Indian tribe of the Commonwealth living on the tribal reservation;

5. Transferred incidental to repossession under a recorded lien and ownership is transferred to the lienholder;

6. A manufactured home permanently attached to real estate and included in the sale of real estate;

7. A gift to the spouse, son, daughter, or parent of the transferor. With the exception of a gift to a spouse, this exemption shall not apply to any unpaid obligation assumed by the transferee incidental to the transfer;

8. Transferred from an individual or partnership to a corporation or limited liability company or from a corporation or limited liability company to an individual or partnership if the transfer is incidental to the formation, organization or dissolution of a corporation or limited liability company in which the individual or partnership holds the majority interest;

9. Transferred from a wholly owned subsidiary to the parent corporation or from the parent corporation to a wholly owned subsidiary;

10. Being registered for the first time in the Commonwealth and the applicant holds a valid, assignable title or registration issued to him by another state or a branch of the United States Armed Forces and (i) has owned the vehicle for longer than 12 months or (ii) has owned the vehicle for less than 12 months and provides evidence of a sales tax paid to another state. However, when a vehicle has been purchased by the applicant within the last 12 months and the applicant is unable to provide evidence of a sales tax paid to another state, the applicant shall pay the Virginia sales tax based on the fair market value of the vehicle at the time of registration in Virginia;

11. a. Titled in a Virginia or non-Virginia motor vehicle dealer's name for resale; or

b. Titled in the name of an automotive manufacturer having its headquarters in Virginia, except for any commercially leased vehicle that is not described under subdivision 3 of § 46.2-602.2. For purposes of this subdivision, "automotive manufacturer" and "headquarters" means the same as such terms are defined in § 46.2-602.2;

12. A motor vehicle having seats for more than seven passengers and sold to an urban or suburban bus line the majority of whose passengers use the buses for traveling a distance of less than 40 miles, one way, on the same day;

13. Purchased in the Commonwealth by a nonresident and a Virginia title is issued for the sole purpose of recording a lien against the vehicle if the vehicle will be registered in a state other than Virginia;

14. A motor vehicle designed for the transportation of 10 or more passengers, purchased by and for the use of a church conducted not for profit;

15. Loaned or leased to a private nonprofit institution of learning, for the sole purpose of use in the instruction of driver's education when such education is a part of such school's curriculum for full-time students;

16. Sold to an insurance company or local government group self-insurance pool, created pursuant to § 15.2-2703, for the sole purpose of disposition when such company or pool has paid the registered owner of such vehicle a total loss claim;

17. Owned and used for personal or official purposes by accredited consular or diplomatic officers of foreign governments, their employees or agents, and members of their families, if such persons are nationals of the state by which they are appointed and are not citizens of the United States;

18. A self-contained mobile computerized axial tomography scanner sold to, rented or used by a nonprofit hospital or a cooperative hospital service organization as described in § 501(e) of the United States Internal Revenue Code;

19. A motor vehicle having seats for more than seven passengers and sold to a restricted common carrier or common carrier of passengers;

20. Beginning July 1, 1989, a self-contained mobile unit designed exclusively for human diagnostic or therapeutic service, sold to, rented to, or used by a nonprofit hospital, or a cooperative hospital service organization as described in § 501(e) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, or a nonprofit corporation as defined in § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, established for research in, diagnosis of, or therapy for human ailments;

21. Transferred, as a gift or through a sale to an organization exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, provided the motor vehicle is not titled and tagged for use by such organization;

22. A motor vehicle sold to an organization which is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and which is organized for the primary purpose of distributing food, clothing, medicines, and other necessities of life to, and providing shelter for, needy persons in the United States and throughout the world;

23. Transferred to the trustees of a revocable inter vivos trust, when the individual titleholder of a Virginia titled motor vehicle and the beneficiaries of the trust are the same persons, regardless of whether other beneficiaries of the trust may also be named in the trust instrument, when no consideration has passed between the titleholder and the beneficiaries; and transferred to the original titleholder from the trustees holding title to the motor vehicle;

24. Transferred to trustees of a revocable inter vivos trust, when the owners of the vehicle and the beneficiaries of the trust are the same persons, regardless of whether other beneficiaries may also be named in the trust instrument, or transferred by trustees of such a trust to beneficiaries of the trust following the death of the grantor, when no consideration has passed between the grantor and the beneficiaries in either case;

25. Sold by a vehicle's lessor to its lessee upon the expiration of the term of the vehicle's lease, if the lessee is a natural person and this natural person has paid the tax levied pursuant to this chapter with respect to the vehicle when he leased it from the lessor, and if the lessee presents an original copy of the lease upon request of the Department of Motor Vehicles or other evidence that the sales tax has been paid to the Commonwealth by the lessee purchasing the vehicle;

26. Titled in the name of a deceased person and transferred to the spouse or heir, or under the will, of such deceased person;

27. An all-terrain vehicle, moped, or off-road motorcycle, as those terms are defined in § 46.2-100, that:

a. Is being titled for the first time in the Commonwealth and that the applicant (i) has owned for more than 12 months or (ii) has owned for less than 12 months and provides evidence of tax paid pursuant to Chapter 6 (§ 58.1-600 et seq.); or

b. Would otherwise be eligible for an agricultural exemption, as provided in § 58.1-609.2;

28. A motor vehicle that is sold to an organization that is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and that is primarily used by the organization to transport to markets for sale produce that is (i) produced by local farmers and (ii) sold by such farmers to the organization;

29. Transferred from the purchaser of the vehicle back to the seller of the vehicle who (i) accepted the vehicle pursuant to the Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act (§ 59.1-207.9 et seq.) or (ii) otherwise agreed to accept the return of the vehicle due to a mechanical defect or failure and refunded to the purchaser the purchase price of the vehicle. Except when the return of the vehicle is pursuant to the Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act, the transfer shall occur within 45 days of the date of purchase; or

30. Any pickup or panel truck or sport utility vehicle for which the owner is required to obtain a permanent farm use placard pursuant to § 46.2-684.2. However, the tax as provided in § 58.1-2402 shall be imposed upon such vehicle based upon the current market value from the time such vehicle is (i) registered for a nonexempt use as required by § 46.2-600 or (ii) sold to a person who does not qualify for an exemption pursuant to this section.

Code 1950, §§ 58-685.13, 58-685.13:1; 1966, c. 587; 1970, c. 409; 1972, cc. 302, 680; 1973, c. 457; 1974, c. 477; 1976, c. 610; 1977, c. 537; 1978, cc. 758, 766; 1982, c. 541; 1984, c. 675; 1988, c. 372; 1990, cc. 40, 849; 1995, cc. 27, 247, 786; 1997, c. 283; 1998, c. 322; 1999, c. 77; 2000, cc. 576, 602, 1027; 2002, c. 513; 2003, c. 278; 2005, cc. 246, 274; 2006, c. 604; 2007, c. 896; 2008, cc. 304, 753; 2009, cc. 864, 871; 2011, cc. 405, 639; 2012, cc. 22, 111; 2013, c. 783; 2014, c. 243; 2015, cc. 159, 502, 503; 2017, c. 552; 2018, cc. 838, 840; 2019, c. 52; 2023, cc. 85, 86.

The tax on the sale or use of a motor vehicle shall be paid by the purchaser or user of such motor vehicle and collected by the Commissioner at the time the owner applies to the Department of Motor Vehicles for, and obtains, a certificate of title. No tax shall be levied or collected under this chapter upon the sale or use of a motor vehicle for which no certificate of title is required by this Commonwealth.

Code 1950, § 58-685.14; 1966, c. 587; 1974, c. 477; 1984, c. 675; 2011, cc. 405, 639.

A. In the case of the sale or use of a motor vehicle upon which the pricing information is required by federal law to be posted, the Commissioner may collect the tax upon the basis of the total sale price shown on such document; however, if the Commissioner is satisfied that the purchaser has paid less than such price, by such evidence as the Commissioner may require, he may assess and collect the tax upon the basis of the sale price so found by him. In no case shall such lesser price include credits for trade-in or any other transaction of such nature.

B. In the case of the sale or use of a motor vehicle which is not a new motor vehicle, the Commissioner may employ such publications, sources of information, and other data as are customarily employed in ascertaining the maximum sale price of such used motor vehicles but in no case shall any credit be allowed for trade-in, prior rental or any other transaction of like nature.

C. In the case of the sale or use of a motor vehicle, which is not a new motor vehicle, between individuals who are not required to be licensed as dealers or salespersons under the provisions of § 46.2-1508, the Commissioner may collect the tax upon the basis of the total sale price as established by such evidence as the Commissioner may require; provided that if such motor vehicle is no more than five years old and is listed in a recognized pricing guide, the total sale price shall not be less than the value listed in such pricing guide for such vehicle, less an allowance of $1,500, unless the purchaser shall execute an affidavit under penalty of perjury stating a lesser total sale price and declaring such sale or use to be a bona fide transaction for full value. In using a recognized pricing guide, the Commissioner shall use the trade-in value specified in such guide, with no additions for optional equipment or subtractions for mileage, so long as uniformly applied for all types of motor vehicles. In no case shall any credit be allowed for trade-in, prior rental, or any other transaction of like nature.

Code 1950, § 58-685.15; 1966, c. 587; 1974, c. 477; 1984, c. 675; 2003, c. 328; 2015, c. 615.

In the event any person submits with his application for a certificate of title a sum insufficient to pay the sale or use tax as determined by the Commissioner, it shall be the duty of the Commissioner or his authorized agent to make an estimate of the tax due the Commonwealth and to assess such tax. The notice of assessment shall be forthwith sent to such person by certified mail at the address of the person as it appears on the records of the Division. Such notice, when sent in accordance with these requirements, shall be sufficient regardless of whether or not it was ever received.

If any person fails to pay such tax, the Commissioner shall bring an appropriate action for the recovery of such tax plus interest. Judgment shall be rendered for the amount of the tax found to be due together with interest and costs.

Code 1950, § 58-685.17; 1966, c. 587; 1974, c. 477; 1984, c. 675.

Repealed by Acts 2011, cc. 405 and 639, cl. 2, effective July 1, 2012.

When any person fails to pay the full amount of the tax required by this chapter, there shall be imposed, in addition to other penalties provided herein, a penalty to be added to the tax in the amount of ten percent or ten dollars, whichever is greater; however, if the failure is due to providential or other good cause, shown to the satisfaction of the Commissioner, the tax may be accepted exclusive of penalties. The $10 minimum penalty levied herein shall be applied only in cases where the payment of tax is not received within the time prescribed in this chapter and shall not be considered for audit purposes.

In the case of a false or fraudulent application, where willful intent exists to defraud the Commonwealth of any tax due under this chapter, a specific penalty of 50 percent of the amount of the proper tax shall be assessed. It shall be prima facie evidence of intent to defraud the Commonwealth of any tax due under this chapter when any person reports the sale price of a motor vehicle at 50 percent or less of the actual amount.

Interest at the rate of one and one-half of one percent per month, or a fraction thereof, shall accrue on both tax and penalty until paid.

Code 1950, § 58-685.17:2; 1974, c. 477; 1982, c. 141; 1984, c. 675; 2011, cc. 405, 639.

Repealed by Acts 2011, cc. 405 and 639, cl. 2, effective July 1, 2012.

No city, town or county shall impose or continue to impose any local sales or use tax on motor vehicles.

Code 1950, § 58-685.25; 1966, c. 587; 1974, c. 477; 1981, c. 145; 1984, c. 675.

In every transaction subject to the provisions of this chapter, the tax imposed by this chapter shall be separately stated from the sale price of such motor vehicle and shall be paid by the purchaser in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

Code 1950, § 58-685.24; 1966, c. 587; 1974, c. 477; 1984, c. 675; 2011, cc. 405, 639.

The Commissioner or any agent authorized by him may examine during the usual business hours all records, books, papers or other documents of any dealer in motor vehicles relating to the sales price of any motor vehicle to verify the truth and accuracy of any statement or any other information as to a particular sale.

Code 1950, § 58-685.18; 1966, c. 587; 1974, c. 477; 1984, c. 675; 2011, cc. 405, 639.

The Commissioner shall have the power to make and publish reasonable rules and regulations consistent with this chapter, other applicable laws, and the Constitutions of Virginia and the United States, for the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter and the collection of the revenues hereunder.

Such rules and regulations shall not be subject to Chapter 40 (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) of Title 2.2.

Code 1950, § 58-685.16; 1966, c. 587; 1974, c. 477; 1984, c. 675; 2011, cc. 405, 639.

The Commissioner may, in his discretion, upon request duly received from the official charged with the duty of enforcement of motor vehicle tax laws of any other state, forward to such official any information which he may have in his possession relative to the registration and payment of any tax collected pursuant to this chapter.

Code 1950, § 58-685.21; 1966, c. 587; 1984, c. 675.

In the event that it appears to the satisfaction of the Commissioner that any tax imposed by this chapter has been erroneously or illegally collected from any person or paid by any person, the Commissioner shall certify the amount thereof to the Comptroller, who shall thereupon draw his warrant for such certified amount on the State Treasurer. Such refund shall be paid by the State Treasurer. A claimant who pays the tax, either for the claimant or for the benefit of another on whose behalf the tax is paid, shall make a sufficient showing that the tax was erroneously collected by providing an affidavit stating that (i) the vehicle identification information provided on the Application for Certificate of Title and Registration, the certificate of origin, manufacturer's statement of origin, or title, as the case may be, forwarded to the Department of Motor Vehicles by any means generally allowed was incorrect or (ii) the transaction would have been exempt from taxation had the titling documents been correct when submitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles and the tax was paid in error. In the event of such a showing, the refund shall be paid to the claimant.

In the event that it appears to the satisfaction of the Commissioner that any tax imposed by this chapter has been collected from a person who purchased and returned a vehicle pursuant to the Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act (§ 59.1-207.9 et seq.), the Commissioner shall certify the amount thereof to the Comptroller, who shall thereupon draw his warrant for such certified amount on the State Treasurer. Such refund shall be paid by the State Treasurer. A claimant who pays the tax, either for the claimant or for the benefit of another on whose behalf the tax is paid, shall provide a written statement in a manner prescribed by the Commissioner stating that the vehicle was returned under the Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act.

In the event that it appears to the satisfaction of the Commissioner that any tax imposed by this chapter has been collected from a person who purchased and within 45 days returned a vehicle not subject to the Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act (§ 59.1-207.9 et seq.) due to a mechanical defect or failure and received a refund of the purchase price, the Commissioner shall certify the amount thereof to the Comptroller, who shall thereupon draw his warrant for such certified amount on the State Treasurer. Such refund shall be paid by the State Treasurer. A claimant who pays the tax, either for the claimant or for the benefit of another on whose behalf the tax is paid, shall provide an affidavit stating that the vehicle was returned due to a mechanical defect or failure, the purchase price was refunded, the title was properly assigned to the person accepting return of the vehicle, and the purchaser no longer has possession of the vehicle.

In the event that it appears to the satisfaction of the Commissioner that the tax imposed by this chapter was upon a motor vehicle purchased by a foreign national and that within six months after the date of purchase the motor vehicle has been exported to a foreign country, the Commissioner shall certify the amount to the Comptroller who shall thereupon draw his warrant for such certified amount on the State Treasurer. Such refund shall be paid by the State Treasurer.

No refund shall be made under the provisions of this section unless a written statement is filed with the Commissioner setting forth the reason such refund is claimed. The claim shall be in such form as the Commissioner shall prescribe. It shall be filed with the Commissioner within three years from the date of the payment of the tax.

Code 1950, § 58-685.19; 1966, c. 587; 1972, c. 207; 1973, c. 174; 1974, c. 477; 1981, c. 440; 1984, c. 675; 2003, c. 837; 2017, c. 552.

Expired.

Credit shall be granted for the amount of tax paid to another state on a motor vehicle purchased in another state at the time such vehicle is first registered in the Commonwealth, provided the purchaser provides proof of payment of such tax. However, no credit shall be granted for any tax paid to another state if that state exempts from the tax vehicles sold to residents of a state which does not give credit for the tax. Credit for taxes collected under the Virginia retail sales and use tax (§ 58.1-600 et seq.) shall be allowed against the tax levied for specially constructed or reconstructed vehicles and other motor vehicles subject to such tax.

Code 1950, § 58-685.20; 1966, c. 587; 1974, c. 477; 1976, c. 610; 1981, c. 145; 1984, c. 675; 1990, c. 163; 2011, cc. 405, 639.

(For contingent expiration date — see Acts 2019, c. 52, cl. 2) Funds collected hereunder by the Commissioner shall be forthwith paid into the state treasury. Except as otherwise provided in this section, these funds shall constitute special funds within the Commonwealth Transportation Fund. Any balances remaining in these funds at the end of the year shall be available for use in subsequent years for the purposes set forth in this chapter, and any interest income on such funds shall accrue to these funds. The revenue so derived, after refunds have been deducted, is hereby allocated for the construction, reconstruction and maintenance of highways and the regulation of traffic thereon and for no other purpose. However, (i) all funds collected pursuant to the provisions of this chapter from manufactured homes, as defined in § 46.2-100, shall be distributed to the city, town, or county wherein such manufactured home is to be situated as a dwelling; (ii) all funds collected pursuant to the provisions of this chapter from all-terrain vehicles, mopeds, and off-road motorcycles, as those terms are defined in § 46.2-100, shall be distributed as follows: (a) an amount equal to a one percent tax shall be distributed in the same manner as the one percent local sales tax pursuant to § 58.1-605, except that this amount collected on sales by anyone other than a Virginia dealer or on sales outside of Virginia shall be distributed to the county or city in which the vehicle is used or stored for use; (b) an amount equal to a 4.3 percent tax shall be distributed in the same manner as the state sales and use tax pursuant to §§ 58.1-638 and 58.1-638.3, except that this amount collected on sales by anyone other than a Virginia dealer or on sales outside of Virginia shall be distributed to the county or city in which the vehicle is used or stored for use; (c) if the all-terrain vehicle, moped, or off-road motorcycle was purchased from a Virginia dealer in a county or city in a planning district described in § 58.1-603.1, an amount equal to a 0.7 percent tax shall be distributed pursuant to § 58.1-603.1; (d) if the all-terrain vehicle, moped, or off-road motorcycle was purchased from anyone other than a Virginia dealer or outside of Virginia and then used or stored for use in a county or city in a planning district described in § 58.1-603.1, an amount equal to a 0.7 percent tax shall be distributed to the county or city in which the vehicle is used or stored for use; and (e) an amount equal to a one percent tax shall be distributed in a manner consistent with the provisions of subsection I of § 58.1-638 for each all-terrain vehicle, moped, and off-road motorcycle subject to the additional tax within the Historic Triangle under subdivision A 1 of § 58.1-2402; and (iii) all remaining funds, after the collection costs of the Department of Motor Vehicles, from the sales and use tax on motor vehicles shall be distributed to and paid into the Commonwealth Transportation Fund pursuant to § 33.2-1524.

(For contingent effective date — see Acts 2019, c. 52, cl. 2) Funds collected hereunder by the Commissioner shall be forthwith paid into the state treasury. Except as otherwise provided in this section, these funds shall constitute special funds within the Commonwealth Transportation Fund. Any balances remaining in these funds at the end of the year shall be available for use in subsequent years for the purposes set forth in this chapter, and any interest income on such funds shall accrue to these funds. The revenue so derived, after refunds have been deducted, is hereby allocated for the construction, reconstruction and maintenance of highways and the regulation of traffic thereon and for no other purpose. However, (i) all funds collected pursuant to the provisions of this chapter from manufactured homes, as defined in § 46.2-100, shall be distributed to the city, town, or county wherein such manufactured home is to be situated as a dwelling; (ii) all funds collected pursuant to the provisions of this chapter from all-terrain vehicles, mopeds, and off-road motorcycles, as those terms are defined in § 46.2-100, shall be distributed as follows: (a) an amount equal to a one percent tax shall be distributed in the same manner as the one percent local sales tax pursuant to § 58.1-605, except that this amount collected on sales by anyone other than a Virginia dealer or on sales outside of Virginia shall be distributed to the county or city in which the vehicle is used or stored for use; (b) an amount equal to a 4.3 percent tax shall be distributed in the same manner as the state sales and use tax pursuant to §§ 58.1-638 and 58.1-638.3, except that this amount collected on sales by anyone other than a Virginia dealer or on sales outside of Virginia shall be distributed to the county or city in which the vehicle is used or stored for use; (c) if the all-terrain vehicle, moped, or off-road motorcycle was purchased from a Virginia dealer in a county or city in a planning district described in § 58.1-603.1, an amount equal to a 0.7 percent tax shall be distributed pursuant to § 58.1-603.1; and (d) if the all-terrain vehicle, moped, or off-road motorcycle was purchased from anyone other than a Virginia dealer or outside of Virginia and then used or stored for use in a county or city in a planning district described in § 58.1-603.1, an amount equal to a 0.7 percent tax shall be distributed to the county or city in which the vehicle is used or stored for use; and (iii) all remaining funds, after the collection costs of the Department of Motor Vehicles, from the sales and use tax on motor vehicles shall be distributed to and paid into the Commonwealth Transportation Fund pursuant to § 33.2-1524.

Code 1950, § 58-685.23; 1966, c. 587; 1976, c. 567; 1981, c. 145; 1984, c. 675; 1986, Sp. Sess., c. 11; 1987, c. 696; 1991, c. 323; 1997, cc. 283, 423, 853; 1998, cc. 905, 907; 1999, c. 77; 2004, c. 522; 2005, c. 323; 2007, c. 896; 2009, cc. 864, 871; 2011, cc. 405, 639; 2013, c. 766; 2018, cc. 838, 840; 2019, c. 52; 2020, cc. 1230, 1275.

(For contingent expiration date — see Acts 2019, c. 52, cl. 2) Funds collected hereunder by the Commissioner shall be forthwith paid into the state treasury. Except as otherwise provided in this section, these funds shall constitute special funds within the Commonwealth Transportation Fund. Any balances remaining in these funds at the end of the year shall be available for use in subsequent years for the purposes set forth in this chapter, and any interest income on such funds shall accrue to these funds. The revenue so derived, after refunds have been deducted, is hereby allocated for the construction, reconstruction and maintenance of highways and the regulation of traffic thereon and for no other purpose. However, (i) all funds collected pursuant to the provisions of this chapter from manufactured homes, as defined in § 46.2-100, shall be distributed to the city, town, or county wherein such manufactured home is to be situated as a dwelling; (ii) all funds collected pursuant to the provisions of this chapter from all-terrain vehicles, mopeds, and off-road motorcycles, as those terms are defined in § 46.2-100, shall be distributed as follows: (a) an amount equal to a one percent tax shall be distributed in the same manner as the one percent local sales tax pursuant to § 58.1-605, except that this amount collected on sales by anyone other than a Virginia dealer or on sales outside of Virginia shall be distributed to the county or city in which the vehicle is used or stored for use; (b) an amount equal to a four percent tax shall be distributed in the same manner as the state sales and use tax pursuant to § 58.1-638, except that this amount collected on sales by anyone other than a Virginia dealer or on sales outside of Virginia shall be distributed to the county or city in which the vehicle is used or stored for use; and (c) an amount equal to a one percent tax shall be distributed in a manner consistent with the provisions of subsection I of § 58.1-638 for each all-terrain vehicle, moped, and off-road motorcycle subject to the additional tax within the Historic Triangle under subdivision A 1 of § 58.1-2402; and (iii) all remaining funds, after the collection costs of the Department of Motor Vehicles, from the sales and use tax on motor vehicles shall be distributed to and paid into the Commonwealth Transportation Fund established pursuant to § 33.2-1524.

(For contingent effective date — see Acts 2019, c. 52, cl. 2) Funds collected hereunder by the Commissioner shall be forthwith paid into the state treasury. Except as otherwise provided in this section, these funds shall constitute special funds within the Commonwealth Transportation Fund. Any balances remaining in these funds at the end of the year shall be available for use in subsequent years for the purposes set forth in this chapter, and any interest income on such funds shall accrue to these funds. The revenue so derived, after refunds have been deducted, is hereby allocated for the construction, reconstruction and maintenance of highways and the regulation of traffic thereon and for no other purpose. However, (i) all funds collected pursuant to the provisions of this chapter from manufactured homes, as defined in § 46.2-100, shall be distributed to the city, town, or county wherein such manufactured home is to be situated as a dwelling; (ii) all funds collected pursuant to the provisions of this chapter from all-terrain vehicles, mopeds, and off-road motorcycles, as those terms are defined in § 46.2-100, shall be distributed as follows: (a) an amount equal to a one percent tax shall be distributed in the same manner as the one percent local sales tax pursuant to § 58.1-605, except that this amount collected on sales by anyone other than a Virginia dealer or on sales outside of Virginia shall be distributed to the county or city in which the vehicle is used or stored for use and (b) an amount equal to a four percent tax shall be distributed in the same manner as the state sales and use tax pursuant to § 58.1-638, except that this amount collected on sales by anyone other than a Virginia dealer or on sales outside of Virginia shall be distributed to the county or city in which the vehicle is used or stored for use; and (iii) all remaining funds, after the collection costs of the Department of Motor Vehicles, from the sales and use tax on motor vehicles shall be distributed to and paid into the Commonwealth Transportation Fund established pursuant to § 33.2-1524.

Code 1950, § 58-685.23; 1966, c. 587; 1976, c. 567; 1981, c. 145; 1984, c. 675; 1986, Sp. Sess., c. 11; 1987, c. 696; 1991, c. 323; 1997, cc. 283, 423, 853; 1998, cc. 905, 907; 1999, c. 77; 2004, c. 522; 2005, c. 323; 2007, c. 896; 2009, cc. 864, 871; 2011, cc. 405, 639; 2018, cc. 838, 840; 2019, c. 52; 2020, cc. 1230, 1275.

A. Any person assessed with any tax administered by the Department pursuant to this chapter may, within 30 days from the date of such assessment, apply for relief to the Commissioner. Such application shall be in the form prescribed by the Department, and shall fully set forth the grounds upon which the taxpayer relies and all facts relevant to the taxpayer's contention. The Commissioner may also require such additional information, testimony, or documentary evidence as he deems necessary to a fair determination of the application.

B. On receipt of a written notice of intent to file under subsection A, the Commissioner shall refrain from collecting the tax until the time for filing hereunder has expired, unless he determines that collection is in jeopardy.

C. Any person against whom an order or decision of the Commissioner has been adversely rendered relating to the tax imposed by this chapter may, within fifteen days of such order or decision, appeal from such order or decision to the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond.

Code 1950, § 58-685.22; 1966, c. 587; 1984, c. 675; 2011, cc. 881, 889.