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Puerto Rico car import tax ranges from 6.6% to 13.5% of vehicle value, based on engine size, age, and environmental factors. Most vehicles pay between 6.6% and 11.5% excise tax plus registration fees between $200 and $500.
Key Takeaways
Puerto Rico charges excise tax (Impuesto de Consumo) on all imported vehicles, calculated using vehicle value, engine size, and age. This is the primary cost beyond shipping expenses.
Essential Puerto Rico import tax facts:
Excise tax rate: 6.6% to 13.5% of total vehicle value
Tax calculation: Based on purchase price + shipping + insurance costs
Engine size impact: Larger engines pay higher rates
Green vehicle discount: Electric/hybrid vehicles get reduced rates. Many electric car and hybrid car models are exempt from excise taxes.
Total import cost: Typically, anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000, depending on vehicle value
Cost-saving strategy: Choose fuel-efficient cars under 3 years old for the lowest tax rates.
What You'll Learn
This comprehensive cost guide covers:
Exact Puerto Rico excise tax rates and calculation methods
Complete fee breakdown, including hidden costs
Tax calculator examples for different vehicle types
Summary
Puerto Rico imposes an excise tax on imported vehicles ranging from 6.6%-13.5% of the total value (purchase price + shipping + insurance).
Tax rates vary by engine size: vehicles under 3,000cc pay between 6.6%-9.5%, while larger engines pay up to 13.5%. Electric and hybrid cars receive reduced rates.
Additional costs include between $200 and $500 registration fees, shipping costs (from $1,200 to $2,500), and inspection fees (between $25 and $50). Total import costs typically range from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on vehicle value and specifications.
Puerto Rico Excise Tax Rates by Vehicle Type {#tax-rates}
Understanding Puerto Rico's tiered tax structure helps explain why official calculations often differ from manual estimates.
Current Puerto Rico Excise Tax Structure
Important: Puerto Rico uses a complex tiered tax system where rates increase significantly at specific value thresholds. Manual calculations often underestimate actual tax due to this progressive structure.
Basic Tax Rate Tiers:
$0 - $5,000: 6.6% of vehicle value
$5,001 - $15,000: 9.5% of vehicle value
$15,001 - $20,000: 13.5% of vehicle value
$20,001 - $30,000: 15.5% of vehicle value
Over $30,000: 17.5% of vehicle value
Engine Size Multipliers:
Under 3,000cc: Base rate applies
3,000-4,000cc: Additional surcharge may apply
Over 4,000cc: Higher surcharge applies
Vehicle Age Adjustments:
New vehicles (0-3 years): Full tax rate
4-6 years old: Potential rate reduction
Classic vehicles (25+ years): Special considerations may apply
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Reality
Important: Electric and hybrid vehicles do NOT receive automatic tax reductions in Puerto Rico.
Recent SURI calculations show:
Tesla Model 3 (2025): Approximately $10,000+ excise tax
Hybrid vehicles: Subject to standard tax rates based on total value
No blanket EV/hybrid exemptions: Each vehicle assessed individually
How Puerto Rico Excise Tax is Actually Calculated
Puerto Rico's tiered tax system makes manual calculations unreliable. The official SURI system provides accurate estimates.
Tiered Tax Structure Issues:
Progressive rates: Higher value portions taxed at increasing rates
Value assessments: SURI uses different valuation methods than KBB/NADA
Hidden factors: Additional surcharges not visible in basic calculations
Threshold effects: Small value increases can trigger much higher tax brackets
Official SURI Calculation Method
Most Accurate Approach:
Visit SURI website: suri.hacienda.pr.gov
Enter vehicle VIN: More accurate than make/model/year
Include all costs: Purchase price + shipping + insurance
Review assessment: Official calculation includes all applicable rates
Example 1: 2022 Honda Civic
Manual estimate: $1,782 (6.6% rate assumption)
SURI actual: $3,200+ (due to tiered structure)
Difference: Manual calculations underestimate by 40-80%
Example 2: 2025 Toyota Camry
Manual estimate: $2,800 (basic rate calculation)
SURI actual: $8,856.15 (actual SURI result)
Difference: 300%+ higher than manual calculation
Example 3: Luxury Vehicle ($50,000+ value)
Manual estimate: $3,300-$5,000
SURI actual: $8,000-$12,000+
Difference: Tiered system creates dramatic increases
Complete Puerto Rico Car Import Cost Breakdown
Understanding all costs helps you budget accurately for your Puerto Rico vehicle import.
Pre-Import Costs
Vehicle Purchase and Preparation:
Vehicle purchase price: Varies by vehicle choice
Pre-shipping inspection: Between $100 and $200
Documentation fees: Between $50 and $150
Title and registration prep: Between $25 and $75
Shipping Costs to Puerto Rico
Ocean Freight Options:
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo): Between $1,200 and $1,800, most affordable
Container shipping: Between $2,000 and $2,800 premium protection
Port-to-port service: Basic delivery to San Juan port
Door-to-port service: Pickup from your location
Additional Shipping Fees:
Port handling: Between $150 and $250
Customs processing: Between $75 and $125
Temporary storage: $25 per day if delayed pickup
Puerto Rico Import Taxes and Fees
Required Government Fees:
Excise tax: Between 6.6% and 13.5% of total vehicle value
Registration fee: Between $200 and $400, depending on vehicle weight
License plates: Between $25 and $50
Title transfer: Between $50 and $100
Inspection and Compliance:
Safety inspection: Between $25 and $40
Emissions testing: Between $30 and $50 (if required)
VIN verification: Between $15 and $25
Important: These estimates reflect actual SURI calculations rather than manual tax rate applications, which typically underestimate costs significantly.
Puerto Rico Vehicle Import Process Step-by-Step
Follow this proven process to import your vehicle and minimize delays or complications successfully.
Pre-Import Preparation (2-4 Weeks Before)
Step 1: Vehicle Documentation
Obtain a clear title: Must be lien-free or have lender authorization
Get a vehicle history report: CarFax or AutoCheck for customs
Schedule pre-shipping inspection: Document condition thoroughly
Calculate estimated taxes: Use the Puerto Rico Treasury calculator
Step 2: Shipping Arrangements
Get multiple shipping quotes: Compare mainland transport and ocean freight.
Book shipping service: Reserve space 2-3 weeks in advance
Purchase shipping insurance: Protect against transit damage
Prepare vehicle for shipping: Clean, remove items, document condition
Import and Tax Payment (1-2 Weeks)
Step 3: Customs Processing
Submit import documents: Title, shipping docs, purchase receipts
Pay excise tax: Based on assessed vehicle value
Complete customs forms: Declare accurate vehicle information
Receive customs clearance: Authorization for vehicle release
Step 4: Vehicle Collection
Port notification: Receive arrival confirmation
Pay port fees: Handling and storage charges
Inspect vehicle: Check for shipping damage immediately
Arrange transport: From the port to the final destination
Post-Import Registration (1 Week)
Step 5: Puerto Rico Registration
Schedule safety inspection: Required within 30 days
Obtain PR auto insurance: Required for registration
Complete registration: At the local DTOP office
Receive license plates: Final step for legal driving
Puerto Rico Tax Calculator and Assessment Appeals
Use the official VIN-based system for accurate tax calculations instead of manual estimates.
Official SURI VIN Calculator (Recommended)
Puerto Rico SURI System:
Website: suri.hacienda.pr.gov
Input method: Vehicle VIN number (most accurate)
Includes: All applicable tax rates, surcharges, and adjustments
Updates: Real-time tax rates and current regulations
Accuracy: Official government calculation system
Why VIN Lookup is Essential:
Precise vehicle identification: Exact model, engine, features
Accurate valuation: Government assessment methods
All applicable rates: Includes tiers, surcharges, adjustments
Official result: Accepted by customs and treasury
Note: Manual calculations using published rates typically underestimate actual tax due to Puerto Rico's complex tiered system and additional surcharges.
Trusted Puerto Rico Shipping Companies
Choose reliable ocean freight companies with proven Puerto Rico shipping experience.
Top Puerto Rico Ocean Freight Companies
Crowley Maritime
Experience: 125+ years serving Puerto Rico
Service: Roll-on/roll-off and container shipping
Frequency: Multiple weekly departures from Florida ports
Specialization: Complete logistics and customs support
Trailer Bridge
Experience: 35+ years Puerto Rico shipping
Service: Ro-ro vehicle transport
Frequency: Regularly scheduled service
Coverage: Jacksonville to San Juan route
TOTE Maritime
Focus: Puerto Rico freight and vehicle shipping
Service: Container and breakbulk options
Frequency: Weekly departures
Ports: Multiple East Coast departure points
Mainland Transport to Departure Ports
AmeriFreight Auto Transport can transport your vehicle to East Coast departure ports, where you connect with Puerto Rico ocean freight services. Popular departure ports include Jacksonville, Miami, and other Florida locations.
AmeriFreight Transport Services
AmeriFreight Auto Transport provides car shipping services within the continental United States, including transport to ports for Puerto Rico shipping connections.
Our Mainland Transport Services:
Transport to departure ports: Florida and East Coast ports serving Puerto Rico
Nationwide pickup: Service from all 48 continental states
Port coordination: Help connecting with Puerto Rico shipping companies
For Puerto Rico Ocean Shipping, Consider These Companies:
Crowley Maritime: Leading Puerto Rico shipping service
Trailer Bridge: Reliable Ro-Ro service to Puerto Rico
TOTE Maritime: Regular Puerto Rico freight service
Our customer service agents can provide information about mainland transport to departure ports where you can connect with Puerto Rico ocean freight services.
Final Thoughts
Success in minimizing import costs depends on choosing fuel-efficient vehicles, understanding the complete fee structure, and adequately preparing documentation. Green vehicles offer significant tax savings, while large engines and luxury features increase costs substantially.
The import process requires careful coordination of shipping, customs clearance, and local registration. Professional assistance can help navigate the complex requirements and ensure compliance with all Puerto Rico regulations.
AmeriFreight Auto Transport
AmeriFreight Auto Transport provides car shipping services within the continental United States, including transport to ports for Puerto Rico shipping connections. Our customer service agents can help coordinate your mainland transport needs.
For Puerto Rico ocean freight, we recommend working with established shipping companies that specialize in Puerto Rico routes.
Get Your Free Mainland Transport Quote
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is Puerto Rico excise tax really?
Excise tax ranges from 6.6% to 17.5% based on vehicle value using a tiered system. Use the SURI VIN calculator at suri.hacienda.pr.gov for accurate estimates, as manual calculations typically underestimate by 40-80%.
Do electric vehicles get tax breaks in Puerto Rico?
No, electric and hybrid vehicles do not receive automatic tax reductions in Puerto Rico. A 2025 Tesla Model 3 shows approximately $10,000+ excise tax in SURI calculations.
Why is my SURI tax calculation much higher than online estimates?
Puerto Rico uses a complex tiered tax system where rates increase at specific value thresholds. This progressive structure creates much higher taxes than simple percentage calculations suggest.
Should I use VIN or vehicle details for tax calculation?
Always use your vehicle's VIN on the SURI system (suri.hacienda.pr.gov) for accurate tax estimates. VIN lookup provides precise vehicle identification and official government calculations.
Can I appeal my Puerto Rico excise tax assessment?
Yes, you can appeal within 30 days of assessment if you believe the calculation is incorrect. However, SURI calculations are generally accurate due to their comprehensive database and tiered tax structure.
How much does it cost to import a car to Puerto Rico?
Total costs range $4,600-$15,000+ including excise tax (6.6-17.5% of vehicle value), shipping ($1,200-$2,500), registration ($200-$500), and inspection fees ($50-$100). Use SURI for accurate tax estimates.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute professional tax or legal advice. Import tax rates, fees, and procedures may vary and are subject to change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Puerto Rico Treasury Department and consult with qualified professionals before making import decisions.
