Have you ever simply been handed the keys to a “new-to-you” automotive and puzzled, “What paperwork will the RMV want so I’m not hit with gross sales tax?”
Or are you passing your outdated SUV to your daughter and stressing over which type—MVU-24 or MVU-26—retains the transaction tax-free?
Within the subsequent jiffy you’ll know precisely which type applies, what it prices, and the proof you will need to carry so the clerk can course of your switch with out surprises.
We’ll (1) outline every type, (2) lay out a side-by-side comparability, (3) stroll by means 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)
| Scenario | Appropriate Type | Gross sales-Tax Owed? | Additional Price? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automobile is really a present—no cash modifications arms, giver/recipient might be anybody | MVU-24 | No gross sales tax | $25 gift-transfer charge (mass.gov, mass.gov) |
| Automobile is transferred inside your rapid household (father or mother, little one, sibling, partner) | MVU-26 | No gross sales tax | No gift-transfer charge (mass.gov, mass.gov) |
Use MVU-24 for any no-money reward; use MVU-26 solely when the giver and recipient are rapid household.
What Is Type MVU-24? – Present 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 non-public party-to-private-party reward the place no cash modifications arms.
- Price: A compulsory $25 “reward switch” cost (plus normal title & registration charges). (mass.gov)
- Paperwork to carry:
- Accomplished, signed MVU-24 type (each events signal).
- Earlier title (signed over).
- Proof of insurance coverage & accomplished RMV-1/2 type 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 Type MVU-26? – Household Transfers
MVU-26 is reserved for transfers inside the rapid household and eliminates each gross sales tax and the $25 reward charge.(mass.gov, mass.gov)
- Eligible relationships: Dad or mum ↔ little one, 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 carry:
- Accomplished, signed MVU-26 type.
- Proof of the qualifying relationship (license addresses, delivery 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 charge.
MVU-24 vs. MVU-26 – Detailed Comparability
| Characteristic | MVU-24 (Present) | MVU-26 (Household) |
|---|---|---|
| Who can use it? | Anybody giving a car totally free | Solely rapid relations |
| Gross sales-tax exemption | ✅ Sure | ✅ Sure |
| $25 Present-transfer charge | ✅ Sure | ❌ No |
| Proof required | Signed affidavit | Signed affidavit plus proof of relationship |
| Frequent examples | Pal offers you an outdated truck | Mother indicators over her sedan to you |
Actual-Life Eventualities
- Pal-to-friend truck hand-off – MVU-24 + $25 charge.
- Dad transfers commuter automotive 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.
Frequent Errors (and How You Can Keep away from Them)
- Paying the $25 twice. The RMV fees it as soon as per reward switch—don’t let an over-eager clerk double-dip.
- Bringing the flawed type. 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 Deliver to the RMV—Your Guidelines
- Signed title (vendor part accomplished).
- MVU-24 or MVU-26—no substitutions.
- RMV-1/2 insurance coverage type 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 type.
Nonetheless uncertain which type works for your switch? Name our native impartial insurance coverage execs at 617-298-0655 for a fast, no-pressure reply.
Disclaimer: This text is for common instructional functions and isn’t authorized or tax recommendation. All the time confirm necessities with Mass.gov earlier than visiting the RMV.
