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 should deliver 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 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 | Appropriate Kind | Gross sales-Tax Owed? | Additional Price? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automobile is actually a present —no cash adjustments palms, giver/recipient could be anybody |
Mvu-24 | No gross sales tax |
$25 gift-transfer payment ( mass.gov , mass.gov ) |
| Automobile is transferred inside your rapid household (father or mother, youngster, sibling, partner) |
Mvu-26 | No gross sales tax |
No gift-transfer payment ( 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 present
no matter relationship.
( mass.gov
)
- Eligibility:
Any personal party-to-private-party present the place no cash
adjustments palms. - Price:
A compulsory $25 “present switch” cost
(plus customary title ®gistration charges). ( mass.gov
) - Paperwork to deliver:
- 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 payment—many givers overlook to warn the recipient and find yourself scrambling on the cashier window.
What Is Kind MVU-26? – Household Transfers
- Eligible relationships:
Mother or father ↔ youngster, spouses, siblings. (Aunt-to-niece and grandparent-to-grandchild do not
qualify—use MVU-24.) - Price:
No gross sales tax; you pay solely customary title ®gistration charges. - Paperwork to deliver:
- Accomplished, signed MVU-26 kind.
- Proof of the qualifying relationship (license addresses, start certificates, or marriage certificates).
- Title, insurance coverage, RMV-1/2 as regular.
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 payment.
MVU-24 vs. MVU-26 – Detailed Comparability
| Characteristic | MVU-24 (Present) | MVU-26 (Household) |
|---|---|---|
| Who can use it? | Anybody giving a automobile totally free | Solely rapid members of the family |
| Gross sales-tax exemption | ✅ Sure | ✅ Sure |
| $25 Present-transfer payment | ✅ Sure | ❌ No |
| Proof required | Signed affidavit | Signed affidavit plus proof of relationship |
| Widespread examples | Buddy offers you an previous truck | Mother indicators over her sedan to you |
Actual-Life Eventualities
- Buddy-to-friend truck hand-off
– EMP – 24 + $ 25 Price. - Dad transfers commuter automobile to son
– MVU-26, no payment. - 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 flawed kind.
Givers typically obtain MVU-24 as a result of it exhibits 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 Convey 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 payment (MVU-24) and customary title/registration charges for both kind.
Nonetheless uncertain which kind works for your
switch? Name our native unbiased insurance coverage professionals at 617-298-0655
for a fast, no-pressure reply.
