Vehicle Gift Tax in Mississippi: Who Pays, Who's Exempt, and What Forms You Need

Gifting a car in Mississippi comes with specific tax rules that vary by relationship and vehicle value. Here is what the recipient owes, which family members qualify for exemptions, and exactly which forms to file.

Does Mississippi Tax Vehicle Gifts?

Rules vary significantly by state — some states offer full exemptions for family gifts, others charge full sales tax on fair market value.

Always check with your state DMV or tax authority before completing the transfer.

Family Members Exempt in Mississippi

Varies by state — spouses are commonly exempt; parent-child transfers may or may not be exempt

Contact your state DMV to confirm whether your relationship qualifies for a gift tax exemption.

Required Forms

Most states require a title transfer form plus a gift affidavit or statement of transaction

Your state DMV will provide the correct forms. Some states require notarization of the gift affidavit.

How Fair Market Value Is Assessed

Most states use NADA or Kelley Blue Book retail value as the baseline fair market value for tax assessment.

If the vehicle has significant damage or high mileage, a professional appraisal can support a lower FMV.

Federal Gift Tax

The federal annual gift exclusion is $18,000 (2024). Gifts above this amount require IRS Form 709. Most vehicle gifts fall under this threshold.

Penalty for Misrepresentation

Misrepresenting a sale as a gift to avoid taxes is tax fraud in all states. Penalties include back taxes, interest, and potential criminal charges.

Mississippi-Specific Facts for Vehicle Gift Tax

Mississippi Vehicle transfer fees and requirements

In Mississippi, the title transfer fee is $9 and registration costs $12.75 - $21.75 depending on vehicle type. Vehicle sales are subject to 5% sales tax on vehicle purchases (reduced rate). Notarization is required for vehicle bill of sale documents in Mississippi. Mississippi does not require emission testing for private-party vehicle sales.

Reduced 5% sales tax rate for vehicle purchases
Title transfer at county tax collector office
Seller must provide title signed and notarized

Mississippi sales tax on vehicle purchases

Mississippi has a 5% state sales tax rate. 5% reduced vehicle sales tax rate statewide. Private-party vehicle sales in Mississippi are subject to sales tax. Sales tax applies at the reduced 5% vehicle rate. The title transfer fee is $9.

Mississippi bill of sale statistics

BillOfSaleNow has generated 724 bill of sale documents for Mississippi transactions, with 20 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.

More Mississippi Vehicle Guides

Each guide is written specifically for Mississippi laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I owe sales tax when I gift a car to a family member in Mississippi?

Rules vary significantly by state — some states offer full exemptions for family gifts, others charge full sales tax on fair market value. Always check with your state DMV or tax authority before completing the transfer.

Which family members are tax-exempt for vehicle gifts in Mississippi?

Varies by state — spouses are commonly exempt; parent-child transfers may or may not be exempt. Contact your state DMV to confirm whether your relationship qualifies for a gift tax exemption.

What forms do I need to gift a car in Mississippi?

Most states require a title transfer form plus a gift affidavit or statement of transaction. Your state DMV will provide the correct forms. Some states require notarization of the gift affidavit.

Does federal gift tax apply to vehicle gifts in Mississippi?