Montana used car dealer paperwork and sales tax guide
How Montana sales tax works on a used-car deal, how trade-ins and dealer fees are treated, and the title forms and notices a Montana dealer prints.
Last checked November 14, 2026
This is a plain-language summary of how a used-car deal works out in Montana: the sales tax, what happens to a trade-in, how dealer fees are treated, and the paperwork a dealer prints. DMS Apex uses these same rules to work out each Montana deal.
Montana tax and fees at a glance
| Item | Montana |
|---|---|
| State tax | No state sales tax on the deal |
| Who pays it | Nothing to collect |
| Trade-in | Reduces the tax |
| Documentary fee | Not part of the taxable amount |
| Service contract | Not taxed |
| Starting title fee in DMS Apex | $12.36 |
How Montana sales tax is worked out
Montana has no general sales tax, so none is added. The buyer pays the title, registration and local option vehicle fees at the county treasurer, and has 40 days to title and register. Title fee starts at $12.36.
Montana paperwork a dealer prints
DMS Apex prints these documents for a Montana deal, all in black and white:
- Buyer's Order
- Buyers Guide
Step-by-step form guides
- MV1 Certificate of Title for a Motor Vehicle Application: how to fill it out
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Montana rules change: confirm current requirements with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division.
Common questions
How much is sales tax on a used car in Montana?
No state sales tax on the deal. A trade-in reduces the taxable amount. See the table above and confirm the current rate with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division.
Does a trade-in lower the tax in Montana?
Yes. In Montana the trade-in allowance reduces the amount the tax is figured on.
Is the dealer fee taxed in Montana?
No. In DMS Apex the documentary fee is not part of the taxable amount for Montana.
Does DMS Apex print Montana dealer forms?
Yes. It prints Buyer's Order, Buyers Guide.
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