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

Gifting a car in Missouri 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 Missouri 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 Missouri

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.

Missouri-Specific Facts for Vehicle Gift Tax

Missouri Vehicle transfer fees and requirements

In Missouri, the title transfer fee is $8.5 and registration costs $18.25 - $51.25 based on horsepower. Vehicle sales are subject to 4.225% state sales tax plus local taxes. Notarization is required for vehicle bill of sale documents in Missouri. Emission testing is required in Missouri — verify the vehicle passes before completing the sale.

Notarized title required for transfer
Safety inspection required within 60 days of registration
Emissions testing required in St. Louis and Kansas City metro areas
Personal property tax receipt required for registration

Missouri sales tax on vehicle purchases

Missouri has a 4.225% state sales tax rate. 4.225% state plus local taxes (total 5–10%). Private-party vehicle sales in Missouri are subject to sales tax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $9.

Missouri bill of sale statistics

BillOfSaleNow has generated 1,492 bill of sale documents for Missouri transactions, with 40 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.

More Missouri Vehicle Guides

Each guide is written specifically for Missouri 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 Missouri?

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 Missouri?

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 Missouri?

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 Missouri?