Have you ever simply been handed the keys to a “new-to-you” automobile and puzzled, “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 way of real-life eventualities, and (4) wrap up with the paperwork and subsequent steps you’ll want on the RMV counter.
The Fast Reply (for skimmers)
| Scenario | Appropriate Kind | Gross sales-Tax Owed? | Additional Price? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car is really a present—no cash adjustments fingers, giver/recipient might be anybody | MVU-24 | No gross sales tax | $25 gift-transfer charge (mass.gov, mass.gov) |
| Car is transferred inside your rapid household (dad or mum, youngster, sibling, partner) | MVU-26 | No gross sales tax | No gift-transfer charge (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? – Reward Transfers
MVU-24 is the sales-tax-exemption affidavit the giver completes when a car is transferred as a present, no matter relationship. (mass.gov)
- Eligibility: Any personal party-to-private-party present the place no cash adjustments fingers.
- Price: A compulsory $25 “present switch” cost (plus normal title & registration 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 charge—many givers overlook 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 charge.(mass.gov, mass.gov)
- Eligible relationships: Dad or mum ↔ youngster, spouses, siblings. (Aunt-to-niece and grandparent-to-grandchild do notqualify—use MVU-24.)
- Price: No gross sales tax; you pay solely normal title & registration charges.
- Paperwork to deliver:
- Accomplished, signed MVU-26 kind.
- Proof of the qualifying relationship (license addresses, beginning certificates, or marriage certificates).
- Title, insurance coverage, RMV-1/2 as typical.
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 charge.
MVU-24 vs. MVU-26 – Detailed Comparability
| Characteristic | MVU-24 (Reward) | MVU-26 (Household) |
|---|---|---|
| Who can use it? | Anybody giving a car free of charge | Solely rapid relations |
| Gross sales-tax exemption | ✅ Sure | ✅ Sure |
| $25 Reward-transfer charge | ✅ Sure | ❌ No |
| Proof required | Signed affidavit | Signed affidavit plus proof of relationship |
| Widespread examples | Pal offers you an previous truck | Mother indicators over her sedan to you |
Actual-Life Eventualities
- Pal-to-friend truck hand-off – MVU-24 + $25 charge.
- Dad transfers commuter automobile to son – MVU-26, no charge.
- 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 expenses it as soon as per present switch—don’t let an over-eager clerk double-dip.
- Bringing the improper kind. Givers generally 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 charge (MVU-24) and normal 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.
Disclaimer: This text is for basic academic functions and isn’t authorized or tax recommendation. All the time confirm necessities with Mass.gov earlier than visiting the RMV.
