Overview
Two real exemptions cut through that. Any vehicle 10 model years or older sold by someone not regularly in the business of selling cars owes no casual-sale tax at all. And transfers between spouses, parent and child, grandparent and grandchild, or - since a 2019 law change - between siblings, are fully exempt, as long as the vehicle was already titled to the person giving it away and no licensed dealer is involved. Everyone else, including cousins, aunts, uncles, and in-laws, pays the full 5%.
01 - Official fees
Mississippi car sales tax fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cars, vans, buses, trucks ≤10,000 lbs GVW | 5% | |
| Trucks/carriers of property >10,000 lbs | 3% | |
| Motorcycles, mopeds, boats, ATVs, trailers | 7% | |
| Private sale, vehicle 10+ model years old | Exempt | |
| Spouse / parent-child / grandparent-grandchild / sibling | Exempt | vehicle must already be titled to the giver, no licensed dealer involved |
| Tax already paid to another state | No credit | full MS tax still owed, unless the vehicle was already titled and used in your name there first |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with your county tax collector's office (Mississippi Department of Revenue) - counties can add small local fees.
03 - Same state, other costs
More Mississippi vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
Mississippi car sales tax FAQ
Do I really owe sales tax buying a car from a private seller in Mississippi?
Yes, generally 5% based on whichever is higher, your bill-of-sale price or the vehicle's DOR-assessed value, collected by the county tax collector when you title it - unless the vehicle is 10 or more model years old, in which case it's fully exempt.
What counts as the vehicle's 'assessed value' on a private sale?
The Department of Revenue maintains a predetermined value schedule for used vehicles that the county tax collector checks your sale against. If your bill-of-sale price is lower, the county can still tax the higher schedule figure, so keep a genuine, dated bill of sale.
Is a 10-year-old car really tax-free to buy privately in Mississippi?
Yes. The Department of Revenue's own rule is that casual sales of vehicles less than 10 model years old by someone not regularly in the car-selling business are taxable - which means, by the same rule, sales of vehicles 10 years or older are not.
Which family members can transfer a car tax-free in Mississippi?
Spouses, parent and child (either direction), grandparent and grandchild (either direction), and - since July 1, 2019 - siblings. Transfers between cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws, or unmarried partners are fully taxable, same as a stranger sale.
Why do motorcycles get taxed at 7% when cars are only 5%?
Mississippi's sales tax schedule groups motorcycles, mopeds, boats, ATVs, and trailers together at the higher 7% rate - only cars, vans, buses, and light trucks get the reduced 5% automotive rate. It's an easy detail to miss when budgeting for a bike.
I bought my car out of state and already paid sales tax there - do I owe Mississippi again?
Yes, in full, with no credit for tax paid to the other state - unless the vehicle was already titled in your name and used in that state before you moved to Mississippi, in which case no Mississippi sales tax applies at all.
Does a manufacturer rebate lower my taxable price?
No. Mississippi's net purchase price for tax purposes accounts for dealer discounts and trade-ins, but specifically excludes manufacturer rebates - you still pay 5% on the pre-rebate price.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.