Have you ever simply been handed the keys to a “new-to-you” automobile and questioned, “What paperwork will the RMV want so I’m not hit with gross sales tax?”
Or are you passing your previous SUV to your daughter and stressing over which kind—MVU-24 or MVU-26—retains the transaction tax-free?
Within the subsequent couple of minutes you’ll know precisely which kind applies, what it prices, and the proof you need to convey so the clerk can course of your switch with out surprises.
We’ll (1) outline every kind, (2) lay out a side-by-side comparability, (3) stroll by way of real-life situations, and (4) wrap up with the paperwork and subsequent steps you’ll want on the RMV counter.
The Fast Reply (for skimmers)
| State of affairs | Right Kind | Gross sales-Tax Owed? | Further Charge? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automobile is really a present—no cash adjustments arms, giver/recipient will be anybody | Mvu-24 | No gross sales tax | $25 gift-transfer price (mass.gov, mass.gov) |
| Automobile is transferred inside your rapid household (dad or mum, little one, sibling, partner) | Mvu-26 | No gross sales tax | No gift-transfer price (mass.gov, mass.gov) |
Use MVU-24 for any no-money present; use MVU-26 solely when the giver and recipient are rapid household.
What Is Kind MVU-24? – Present Transfers
MVU-24 is the sales-tax-exemption affidavit the giver completes when a automobile is transferred as a presentno matter relationship. (mass.gov)
- Eligibility: Any personal party-to-private-party present the place no cash adjustments arms.
- Charge: A compulsory $25 “present switch” cost (plus customary title & registration charges). (mass.gov)
- Paperwork to convey:
- Accomplished, signed MVU-24 kind (each events signal).
- Earlier title (signed over).
- Proof of insurance coverage & accomplished RMV-1/2 kind out of your insurer.
Take note of the $25 price—many givers neglect to warn the recipient and find yourself scrambling on the cashier window.
What Is Kind MVU-26? – Household Transfers
MVU-26 is reserved for transfers inside the rapid household and eliminates each gross sales tax and the $25 present price.(mass.gov, mass.gov)
- Eligible relationships: Mum or dad ? little one, spouses, siblings. (Aunt-to-niece and grandparent-to-grandchild do notqualify—use MVU-24.)
- Charge: No gross sales tax; you pay solely customary title & registration charges.
- Paperwork to convey:
- Accomplished, signed MVU-26 kind.
- Proof of the qualifying relationship (license addresses, beginning certificates, or marriage certificates).
- Title, insurance coverage, RMV-1/2 as traditional.
In case you can’t show the household relationship on the spot, the RMV will reclassify the deal as a present and cost the $25 price.
MVU-24 vs. MVU-26 – Detailed Comparability
| Function | MVU-24 (Present) | MVU-26 (Household) |
|---|---|---|
| Who can use it? | Anybody giving a automobile without spending a dime | Solely rapid members of the family |
| Gross sales-tax exemption | ? Sure | ? Sure |
| $25 Present-transfer price | ? Sure | ? No |
| Proof required | Signed affidavit | Signed affidavit plus proof of relationship |
| Widespread examples | Buddy provides you an previous truck | Mother indicators over her sedan to you |
Actual-Life Situations
- Buddy-to-friend truck hand-off – EMP – 24 + $ 25 Charge.
- Dad transfers commuter automobile to son – MVU-26, no price.
- Grandma to grandson – Not rapid household per RMV; select MVU-24 and pay $25.
- Partner retitles shared SUV after divorce – MVU-26 nonetheless applies; no gross sales tax.
Widespread Errors (and How You Can Keep away from Them)
- Paying the $25 twice. The RMV fees it as soon as per present switch—don’t let an over-eager clerk double-dip.
- Bringing the mistaken kind. Givers typically obtain MVU-24 as a result of it reveals up first in search; triple-check the connection field earlier than printing.
- Leaving blanks. Any clean on the affidavit invalidates the exemption; fill each line, even “N/A.”
What to Carry to the RMV—Your Guidelines
- Signed title (vendor part accomplished).
- Mvu-24 or MVU-26—no substitutions.
- RMV-1/2 insurance coverage kind with stamp or e-signature out of your insurer.
- Proof of relationship (if utilizing MVU-26).
- Your checkbook or card for the $25 price (MVU-24) and customary title/registration charges for both kind.
Nonetheless uncertain which kind works for your switch? Name our native unbiased insurance coverage execs at 617-298-0655 for a fast, no-pressure reply.
Disclaimer: This text is for normal instructional functions and isn’t authorized or tax recommendation. All the time confirm necessities with Mass.gov earlier than visiting the RMV.
