The short answer for Michigan buyers
The Michigan dealer fee checker sorts quote lines and applies the current supported documentary-preparation test only for covered installment contracts: the lower of 5% of cash price or $280 for 2025–2026. The $34 RD-108 electronic filing fee is separate and optional when selected.
How this Michigan estimate is calculated
Enter each line as written and mark whether it is required and included in the advertised price. The tool compares supported contract context and distinguishes government charges, dealer charges, optional items, and items needing review.
Worked example from the live calculation engine
Example from the quote-review engine: a financed $30,000 contract compares a $280 documentary line with the lower-of-5%-or-$280 supported maximum ($280.00). A separately entered $34 e-filing line remains distinct and optional; neither result is a legal conclusion.
Common Michigan estimate mistakes
- Applying the $280/$5% calculation to every transaction type.
- Combining the optional e-filing charge with the documentary fee.
- Reading a review flag as a finding of illegality or fraud.
Useful Michigan guides
For the rule details behind these numbers, continue with a relevant Michigan guide:
Michigan dealer-fee questions
What does the Michigan dealer fee checker do?
It organizes entered quote lines as government charges, dealer-controlled charges, optional products, or items needing review. It does not decide legality.
What is Michigan's documentary preparation fee limit?
For supported covered installment contracts in 2025–2026, the project applies the lower of 5% of cash price or $280, based on DIFS guidance and statute.
Is $280 a universal Michigan doc-fee maximum?
No. The limit applies in the covered contract context. Do not assume it governs every cash transaction or every kind of charge.
Is electronic filing mandatory?
The Michigan RD-108 describes a $34 electronic filing fee as optional when selected. Keep it separate from the documentary preparation fee.
Is a documentary preparation charge a government fee?
No. It is dealer-controlled, and the supported Michigan guidance treats it as taxable in the vehicle sale.
Does a flagged charge mean the dealer did something wrong?
No. A flag means the line deserves clarification or comparison with the written contract and advertised price; the tool makes no fraud or legal determination.
Verified October 2026. Planning information only; final tax, title and registration treatment depends on the vehicle, transaction documents and Michigan agency determination.