Missouri Vehicle Sales Tax & Fees [+ Calculator]

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Geoff Cudd

Geoff Cudd

I am a serial entrepreneur and a consumer advocate. When I’m not helping car buyers, I love working on ventures that have a positive impact.

I run a cause marketing agency and serve on the board of Vayu Global Health where we are disrupting the medical industry and preventing the needless deaths of mothers and babies during childbirth.

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If you are looking to purchase a vehicle, you will want to factor in the state sales tax. In some cases, the state sales tax can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the cost of the vehicle. Some states have better rates than others.

Vehicles purchased in Missouri will be subject to the state sales tax of 4.225%, plus any local taxes and fees.

Here’s a look at the current state sales tax rate in Missouri and how to calculate the tax amount.

How Much Is the Car Sales Tax in Missouri?

The current state sales tax on car purchases in Missouri is a flat rate of 4.225%. That means if you purchase a vehicle in Missouri, you will have to pay a minimum of 4.225% state sales tax on the vehicle's purchase price.

There may be an additional local tax rate as well, which can go as high as 6.125% or as low as 0.5%. However, the average local tax rate is 2.796%, making the average total tax rate in Missouri 7.021%.

We have seen instances that Missouri can only charge a maximum of $725 in taxes, but we could not verify it through Missouri's DMV site. It might be worth bringing up at the dealership but plan on paying more than the quoted $725 figure in taxes.

How to Calculate Missouri Sales Tax on a Car

You can calculate the Missouri sales tax on a car by multiplying the vehicle's purchase price by the Missouri state sales tax rate of 4.225%.

Be sure to subtract any trade-ins or rebates and incentives before multiplying the tax rate.

Calculate Car Sales Tax in Missouri Example:

• Let's say you purchase a new vehicle for $50,000
• Your trade-in vehicle is worth $7,500 and you get a $2,500 rebate
• That puts the cost of the vehicle at $40,000
• Now multiply $40,000 by 4.225%
• This gives you a states sales of $1,690

The example above does not account for the additional local tax rate.

Do I Have to Pay Sales Tax on a Used Car?

Yes. If you purchase a used vehicle in Missouri, then you would still have to pay the 4.225% Missouri state sales tax.

Which City Has the Highest Tax?

When you factor in the local sales tax along with the state sales tax, the city or county with the highest tax is Branson, with a combined rate of 10.35% (local tax rate is 6.125%).

Which City Has the Lowest Tax?

When you factor in the local sales tax along with the state sales tax, the cities or counties with the lowest tax are Osceola, Collins, Roscoe, and Rockville, with a combined rate of 4.725% (local tax is 0.5%).

Car Sales Tax for Trade-Ins in Missouri

In the state of Missouri, your trade-in is not subject to the state sales tax. Therefore, you can lower your overall tax burden if you include a trade-in as part of the sale of your vehicle.

For example, let’s say that you want to purchase a new vehicle with a purchase price of $50,000. However, if you have a trade-in valued at $10,000, then the taxable purchase price of the vehicle is now just $40,000.

Car Sales Tax for Private Sales in Missouri

Missouri does tax private vehicle sales, and you are responsible for paying the state sales tax.

For instance, if you purchase a vehicle from a private seller for $30,000. Then that vehicle sale will be subject to the state’s 4.225% tax or $1,267.50.

Tax on Rebates & Dealer Incentives

In the state of Missouri, you are only taxed on the out-of-pocket cost of the vehicle, which is the amount after deducting trade-ins and rebates.

Let’s say that you purchase a vehicle for $50,000 and get a $2,500 rebate. That $2,500 will not be subject to the 4.225% state sales tax. So the total taxable amount is $47,500.

Other Taxes & Fees for Missouri

In the state of Missouri, you will have to consider other factors when it comes to calculating the total cost of your vehicle. Here’s a look at the various DMV and dealership fees that you may have to pay.

Missouri DMV/State Fees

• Registration Fee: The amount is based on either taxable horsepower or vehicle weight. The one-year fee is $51.25, while the two-year fee is $102.50.
• Title Fee: There is a title fee of $8.50 on all vehicles.
• Transfer Fee: There is a transfer fee of $2 on all vehicles.
• Title Processing Fee: There is a $6 title processing fee.
• Registration Processing Fee: There is a $6 registration processing fee.

Missouri Dealership Fees

• Documentation Fees: In the state of Missouri, dealerships can charge a maximum of $200 for documentation fees.

When Sales Tax is Exempt in Missouri

There are several situations where sales tax on a vehicle can be exempt in Missouri. Here’s a look at the currently available exemptions:

• Charities: Vehicles purchased by charities are not subject to state sales tax.
• Religious Entities: Vehicles purchased by churches or other religious entities are not subject to sales tax.
• Taxes Paid to Another State: If a state sales tax is paid to another state, then the vehicle will be exempt from sales tax in Missouri.
• Gifted Vehicle: Vehicles acquired as gifts from a donor or descendent will not be taxed in Missouri.
• Government-Owned Units: Any government entity in the state of Missouri will not have to pay state sales tax on vehicle purchases.
• Public Schools: Public schools are exempt from paying state sales tax in Missouri.
• Vehicles with a weight over 54,000 pounds - Vehicles, including motor vehicles and trucks, with a weight over 54,000 pounds are exempt from state sales tax.

Missouri EV Rebates & Incentives

There are currently no state EV rebates or incentive programs.

However, any EV vehicle purchased in the state of Missouri is eligible for a Federal EV rebate that is worth up to $7,500.

Tax information and rates are subject to change, please be sure to verify with your local DMV. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sales tax on cars purchased in Missouri?

The state sales tax on vehicles purchased in Missouri is 4.225%. For instance, if you purchase a vehicle for $40,000, then the state sales tax on that vehicle would be $1,690.

Do I have to pay sales tax on a used car in Missouri?

You will have to pay the 4.225% state sales tax on used vehicles in Missouri. For instance, if you purchase a used vehicle for $25,000, then your state sales tax will be $1,056.50.

Which city in Missouri has the highest tax? Which has the lowest?

The city or county with the highest overall tax is Branson, with an overall tax of 10.35%. Conversely, the cities or counties with the lowest overall tax are Osceola, Collins, Roscoe, and Rockville, with an overall tax of 4.725%.

Do I have to pay sales tax on a gifted car in Missouri?

There is currently no state sales tax on a vehicle that is transferred to a new owner via a Gifted Title Transfer.

How much is registration in Missouri?

The registration fee for a vehicle in the state of Missouri is $51.25 per year. There is also an option to register a vehicle for two years for $102.50.

Does a trade-in reduce sales tax in Missouri?

A trade-in is not subject to state sales tax. For instance, if you purchase a new vehicle for $50,000 and you have a trade-in that is valued at $10,000, then your vehicle’s overall purchase price will be $40,000. That is the amount that will be used when calculating the state sales tax.

How can I avoid paying sales tax in Missouri?

There are several ways that you can avoid paying state sales tax in Missouri. One of the options is to purchase the vehicle out of state and pay out-of-state sales tax. You can also be gifted a vehicle and avoid having to pay the state sales tax. Yet another option is to purchase the vehicle through an entity that is on the state’s exempted list. The current entities on the state’s exempt list include charities, religious entities, public schools, and government agencies. Finally, you can purchase a vehicle with a weight of over 56,000 pounds.