Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee
Title 1320 - Revenue
Subtitle 1320-05 - Sales and Use Tax Division
Chapter 1320-05-01 - State Sales and Use Tax Rules
Section 1320-05-01-.02 - ARTICLES TAKEN IN TRADE OR "TRADE-INS"

(1) When an item of tangible personal property is taken in trade as a credit or part payment on the sale of new or used articles, the Sales and Use Tax shall be computed and paid on the net difference between the sales price of the new or used article sold and any credit actually given for the used article accepted in trade. In cases where a credit is given for property which is owned to be applied to property which is being leased, the tax will apply to any consideration after the amount of credit given is consumed, and the lessor actually begins making charges for the lease or rental of tangible personal property.

(2) Before any credit may be allowed for items taken in trade or trade-ins, the item so traded must be of a like kind and character of that purchased, and indicated as "trade-in" by model and serial number, where applicable, on an invoice given to the customer.

(3) Any tangible personal property involved in a transaction in which a dealer gives a check or cash for tangible personal property, and where the customer agrees to pay the full purchase price of the property being bought, will not be considered as a trade-in, and no credit may be given or allowed for it. In cases where a credit memorandum is given for tangible personal property which is intended to be traded-in on the purchase of new articles of tangible personal property, the provisions of paragraph (2) of this rule must be complied with.

(4) Any recovery which may be received or allowed as a result of insurance may not be considered as a trade-in, and no credit may be given or allowed for such recoveries.