The phrase refers to a tool or resource designed to estimate the sales tax reduction realized when trading in a vehicle in Illinois. This tax benefit is calculated by subtracting the trade-in value of a vehicle from the purchase price of a new or used vehicle, with sales tax applied only to the remaining amount. For example, if a person purchases a vehicle for $30,000 and trades in their old vehicle for $10,000, sales tax is only calculated on the $20,000 difference.
Accessing such a tool offers significant financial advantages to Illinois residents. It allows purchasers to accurately project their total vehicle cost, incorporating the tax savings from their trade-in. This empowers informed decision-making during the vehicle acquisition process, leading to better budgeting and potentially incentivizing upgrades or replacements of older vehicles. Prior to the implementation of this trade-in tax law, Illinois residents paid sales tax on the full purchase price of a vehicle, regardless of any trade-in.
