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 type—MVU-24 or MVU-26—retains the transaction tax-free?
Within the subsequent couple of minutes you’ll know precisely
which type applies, what it prices, and the proof you 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 via 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 | Right Kind | Gross sales-Tax Owed? | Further Payment? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automobile is really a present —no cash modifications arms, giver/recipient will be anybody |
MVU-24 | No gross sales tax |
$25 gift-transfer charge ( mass.gov , mass.gov ) |
| Automobile is transferred inside your speedy 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 present; use MVU-26 solely when the giver and recipient are speedy 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
modifications arms. - Payment:
A compulsory $25 “present switch” cost
(plus normal title ®gistration 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 neglect to warn the recipient and find yourself scrambling on the cashier window.
What Is Kind MVU-26? – Household Transfers
- Eligible relationships:
Dad or mum ↔ little one, spouses, siblings. (Aunt-to-niece and grandparent-to-grandchild do not
qualify—use MVU-24.) - Payment:
No gross sales tax; you pay solely normal title ®gistration 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.
Should 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
| Function | MVU-24 (Present) | MVU-26 (Household) |
|---|---|---|
| Who can use it? | Anybody giving a automobile without spending a dime | Solely speedy members of the family |
| Gross sales-tax exemption | ✅ Sure | ✅ Sure |
| $25 Present-transfer charge | ✅ Sure | ❌ No |
| Proof required | Signed affidavit | Signed affidavit plus proof of relationship |
| Widespread examples | Good friend offers you an previous truck | Mother indicators over her sedan to you |
Actual-Life Situations
- Good friend-to-friend truck hand-off
– MVU-24 + $25 charge. - Dad transfers commuter automobile to son
– MVU-26, no charge. - Grandma to grandson
– Not
speedy 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 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 professionals at 617-298-0655
for a fast, no-pressure reply.
