Missouri Vehicle Sales Tax Calculator
Easily calculate Missouri sales tax on car for all its counties
Vehicle Information
Complete the form to see the results
Results
How to Use the Missouri Auto Sales Tax Estimator
This Missouri auto sales tax calculator helps you determine the exact amount of sales tax you'll pay when purchasing a vehicle in Missouri. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Select Your County
Choose the county where you will register your vehicle. This is important because local tax rates vary across Missouri counties. The dropdown menu lists all Missouri counties in alphabetical order.
Step 2: Enter Vehicle Price
Input the total purchase price of the vehicle before taxes. This should be the amount you're paying to the dealer or seller.
Step 3: Add Trade-in Value (Optional)
If you're trading in a vehicle, enter its value. In Missouri, you only pay sales tax on the difference between the purchase price and trade-in value.
Step 4: Calculate
Click the "Calculate Tax" button to see your breakdown of taxes, including state tax, local tax, and total amount due. Our system will calculate vehicle sales tax in Missouri instantly, giving you a reliable estimate.
Important Tips
- Always verify the final tax amount with your local DMV office
- Additional fees may apply for registration and licensing
- Private party sales are also subject to sales tax
- Keep your receipt for tax records
Understanding Missouri Vehicle Sales Tax
The tool also works as a Missouri vehicle sales tax estimator, showing both state and local tax rates applied to your transaction. The tax consists of two components:
State Sales Tax
Missouri charges a base state sales tax rate of 4.225% on all vehicle purchases. This rate is consistent across all counties in the state.
Local Sales Tax
In addition to the state tax, most counties and municipalities impose their own local sales tax. These rates vary significantly by location, typically ranging from 0.5% to 4% additional tax.
Taxable Amount Calculation
The tax is calculated on the net purchase price, which is:
Net Purchase Price = Vehicle Price - Trade-in Value
This means if you trade in a vehicle, you only pay tax on the difference between what you're buying and what you're trading.
Tax Collection
Vehicle sales tax is typically collected at the time of registration with the Missouri Department of Revenue. The tax must be paid before you can receive your title and registration.
Important Considerations
- Tax rates can change, so always verify current rates
- Some vehicles may qualify for exemptions or reduced rates
- Gift transfers between family members may have different tax implications
- Commercial vehicles may have different tax structures
Frequently Asked Questions
Missouri has a base state sales tax rate of 4.225% on vehicle purchases. Additionally, local counties and municipalities may impose their own taxes, typically ranging from 0.5% to 4%. The total tax rate varies by location but generally ranges from 4.725% to 8.225%.
Simply enter the vehicle price, any trade-in value, and your county in our form above. It acts as a Missouri car sales tax estimator and shows your full tax breakdown.
You pay tax only on the net purchase price, which is the vehicle price minus any trade-in value. For example, if you buy a $30,000 car and trade in a vehicle worth $10,000, you'll pay tax on $20,000.
Vehicle sales tax is paid at the time of registration with the Missouri Department of Revenue or at your local license office. You cannot receive your title and registration until the tax is paid.
To figure sales tax on a car in Missouri, subtract any trade-in value from the total vehicle price, then apply your combined state and local tax rate. Our calculator handles all that automatically.
Some exemptions may apply, such as gifts between certain family members, vehicles purchased by disabled veterans, or certain commercial vehicles. Always check with the Missouri Department of Revenue for specific exemption requirements.
Yes, Missouri requires sales tax to be paid on all vehicle purchases, including private party sales. The tax is based on the purchase price or the vehicle's fair market value, whichever is higher.
If you move to Missouri with a vehicle from another state, you may need to pay Missouri sales tax when registering the vehicle, unless you can provide proof that you paid sales tax in another state within the last 90 days.
This calculator provides estimates based on current tax rates. Tax rates can change, and individual circumstances may affect the final amount. Always verify the exact tax amount with your local DMV office or the Missouri Department of Revenue.