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<law><site_title>Virginia Decoded</site_title><site_url>https://vacode.org</site_url><law_id>66929</law_id><section_number>58.1-2405</section_number><catch_line>Basis of tax</catch_line><edition url="https://vacode.org/2025/" slug="2025" current="TRUE" last_updated="">2025</edition><referred_to_by><reference>58.1-3503</reference></referred_to_by><structure><unit label="title" level="1" order_by="1" identifier="58.1">Taxation</unit><unit label="subtitle" level="2" order_by="1" identifier="II">Taxes Administered by Other Agencies</unit><unit label="chapter" level="3" order_by="1" identifier="24">Virginia Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax</unit></structure><text>
						<section id="A"><p><span class="prefix-number">A.</span> In the case of the sale or use of a <span class="dictionary">motor vehicle</span> upon which the pricing information is required by federal <span class="dictionary">law</span> to be posted, the <span class="dictionary">Commissioner</span> may collect the tax upon the basis of the total <span class="dictionary">sale price</span> shown on such document; however, if the <span class="dictionary">Commissioner</span> is satisfied that the purchaser has paid less than such price, by such <span class="dictionary">evidence</span> as the <span class="dictionary">Commissioner</span> may require, he may assess and collect the tax upon the basis of the <span class="dictionary">sale price</span> so found by him. In no case shall such lesser price include credits for trade-in or any other transaction of such nature. <a id="paragraph-242653" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/58.1-2405/#A"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B"><p><span class="prefix-number">B.</span> In the case of the sale or use of a <span class="dictionary">motor vehicle</span> which is not a new <span class="dictionary">motor vehicle</span>, the <span class="dictionary">Commissioner</span> may employ such publications, sources of information, and other data as are customarily employed in ascertaining the maximum <span class="dictionary">sale price</span> of such used <span class="dictionary">motor vehicles</span> but in no case shall any credit be allowed for trade-in, prior rental or any other transaction of like nature. <a id="paragraph-242654" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/58.1-2405/#B"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="C"><p><span class="prefix-number">C.</span> In the case of the sale or use of a <span class="dictionary">motor vehicle</span>, which is not a new <span class="dictionary">motor vehicle</span>, between individuals who are not required to be licensed as dealers or salespersons under the provisions of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Licenses required; penalty" href="/46.2-1508/">46.2-1508</a>, the <span class="dictionary">Commissioner</span> may collect the tax upon the basis of the total <span class="dictionary">sale price</span> as established by such <span class="dictionary">evidence</span> as the <span class="dictionary">Commissioner</span> may require; provided that if such <span class="dictionary">motor vehicle</span> is no more than five years old and is listed in a recognized pricing guide, the total <span class="dictionary">sale price</span> 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 <span class="dictionary">affidavit</span> under <span class="dictionary">penalty</span> of <span class="dictionary">perjury</span> stating a lesser total <span class="dictionary">sale price</span> and declaring such sale or use to be a bona fide transaction for full value. In using a recognized pricing guide, the <span class="dictionary">Commissioner</span> 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 <span class="dictionary">motor vehicles</span>. In no case shall any credit be allowed for trade-in, prior rental, or any other transaction of like nature. <a id="paragraph-242655" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/58.1-2405/#C"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="D"><p><span class="prefix-number">D.</span> In the case of a person who is applying for a title to an abandoned <span class="dictionary">motor vehicle</span> pursuant to &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Notice of intent to auction and sale of vehicle; posting requirements" href="/46.2-1202.2/">46.2-1202.2</a> that (i) is in such person&#x2019;s <span class="dictionary">possession</span> and (ii) did not sell at auction, the <span class="dictionary">Commissioner</span> may employ such publications, sources of information, and other data as are customarily employed in ascertaining the maximum <span class="dictionary">sales</span> price of such <span class="dictionary">motor vehicle</span>. <a id="paragraph-242656" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/58.1-2405/#D"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section></text><history>Code 1950, &#xA7; 58-685.15; 1966, c. 587; 1974, c. 477; 1984, c. 675; 2003, c. 328; 2015, c. 615; 2025, c. 80.</history><metadata></metadata></law>
