First, you can deduct sales or use tax. When you buy a vehicle from a third party for cash, chances are the value tax you paid to transfer the title was actually a sales or use tax, but check your state DMV or tax laws to be sure. You can only deduct the tax as sales tax if it is charged at the same rate as any other general sales tax. For example, if the sales tax on clothes and appliances is 6% in your area, you can deduct the use tax on the RV if it is also 6%. If it is a special vehicle tax that is higher or lower than the general sales tax rate, it is not deductible as sales tax. Lastly, this only applies to motor vehicles, so if this is any kind of camper that does not have a motor, you can't deduct the sales/use tax.
This is an itemized deduction so whether you actually get a benefit depends on your overall tax situation and your other deductions. You can only deduct sales tax if you are in a state that does not have an income tax, or if you choose to deduct sales tax instead of income tax. When you deduct sales tax, you can either deduct the actual sales tax you paid for the year (proven from receipts) or you can use a standard amount based on your income and the local tax rate. If you use the standard amount, you can add the sales tax for the purchase of a motor vehicle including the RV.
Second, some states charge a value-based personal property tax on the value of your vehicles. Personal property tax is deductible each year you pay it, and is not subject to the same limits as sales tax. But it must be a value -based tax charged on the value of the property. (For example, in Virginia, there is sales tax when you buy a vehicle, and there is also a personal property tax due every June that is around $20 per $1000 of vehicle resale value.) This is not the same as your annual registration. Again for example, suppose your state DMV charges $50 annual renewal on any RV, plus $5 per $1000 in value. The value portion is a deductible personal property tax but not the flat rate registration fee.
Both sales tax and personal property tax have their own section on the Deductions and Credits page.
