Article: In Canada and in most states in the U.S., sales tax is applied to the monthly lease payment. In that case, multiply the lease payment (the depreciation fee + the finance fee) by the local sales tax rate. In some states, sales tax is collected at the time the lease is initiated; in such cases, no sales tax is added to the monthly payment. Add the depreciation fee, the financing fee and the monthly sales tax, where applicable. Do these calculations for every brand of vehicle you are considering for a lease. Once you choose a brand, compare these calculations to at least three dealerships that sell this brand. Do not negotiate the selling price separately from the trade-in value. A dealer might give you a lower selling price and then subtract that amount from what he or she would give as a trade-in value. Negotiate for one final monthly price that you can afford.

What is a summary?
Calculate the sales tax. Calculate the total lease payment. Compare dealership offers.