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Missouri car sales tax at a glance
| Missouri | |
|---|---|
| Tax | sales tax (motor vehicle) |
| State rate | 4.225% |
| Average with local taxes (2026 (Tax Foundation midyear, July 1)) | 8.44% |
| Counties and cities add tax | Yes |
| Trade-in lowers the tax | Yes, tax is on the price minus the trade |
| Leases | Its own rule (see leasing below) |
| Dealer doc fee cap | $620.79 |
Checked on the state's official sources on 2026-11-02. Rates change; the state's revenue department has the last word.
How to work out Missouri sales tax on a car
Multiply the taxable price by the rate. In Missouri the trade-in comes off first.
A $30,000 car with a $5,000 trade: $25,000 x 4.225% = $1,056.25 at the state rate, plus any county or city tax where you register the car.
4.225% state plus the local sales tax of the city/county where the buyer lives, paid at the license office when titling within 30 days.
Trade-ins
State and local tax are on the purchase price less any trade-in (DOR); a vehicle sold privately within 180 days before or after can also give an allowance.
Leasing a car in Missouri
Missouri: a leasing company may pay sales tax at registration on the vehicle's purchase price, or if it does not elect that option it must charge sales tax on the amount charged under each rental or lease agreement (RSMo 144.070.5). The calculator taxes the price at signing, the nearest fit; check the lease contract. The lease calculator uses Missouri's method when you pick the state.
Dealer doc fees
RSMo 301.558 administrative fee cap, CPI-adjusted each February 1: $620.79 for 2026 (up from $604.47 in 2025), per DOR rule 12 CSR 10-26.231.