Missouri Car Sales Tax Calculator – Fast, Free & Accurate

What Is Missouri Car Sales Tax?

Missouri charges a statewide vehicle sales tax of 4.225%. On top of that, cities and counties add their own local sales tax rates, which vary depending on where you register the car.

For example:

• St. Louis City adds 5.425%
• Kansas City adds 4.625%
• Springfield adds 3.875%
• Columbia adds 3.725%
• St. Charles County adds 2.725%

That means your total sales tax could be anywhere between 7% and over 9% of your vehicle’s taxable price.

How Is Car Sales Tax Calculated in Missouri?

The tax is applied to your vehicle’s net price. That’s the purchase price minus any trade-in value.

For example:

• Vehicle price: $32,000
• Trade-in value: $8,000
• Taxable amount: $24,000

If you live in Kansas City, where the total tax rate is 4.225% (state) + 4.625% (local) = 8.85%, your estimated sales tax would be:

$24,000 × 8.85% = $2,124

That’s a big chunk of money, and why calculating your tax before heading to the dealership is essential.

Why Use a Missouri Car Sales Tax Calculator?

While you can crunch the numbers manually, a calculator saves time and avoids mistakes. With an online calculator, you simply:

1. Enter your vehicle price.
2. Enter your trade-in value (if any).
3. Select your location (city or county).
4. Click calculate to see your breakdown.

The calculator instantly shows:

• Taxable amount (after trade-in)
• State tax amount
• Local tax amount
• Total estimated tax

It’s clear, quick, and accurate.

Example Walkthrough Using the Calculator

Let’s run through a sample calculation with the Missouri car sales tax calculator:

• Vehicle Price: $30,000
• Trade-in Value: $5,000
• Location: St. Louis City (state + local tax = 9.65%)

Steps:

1. $30,000 – $5,000 = $25,000 taxable amount
2. State tax: $25,000 × 4.225% = $1,056.25
3. Local tax: $25,000 × 5.425% = $1,356.25
4. Total estimated tax = $2,412.50

That’s nearly the cost of a nice used car, which shows why calculating before you buy matters.

Tips for Missouri Car Buyers

• Don’t forget registration and title fees. Sales tax is only one part of the total cost of ownership.
• Use trade-ins strategically. A higher trade-in value means less taxable amount.
• Shop location wisely. Since local tax rates differ, where you register the car can affect your total bill.
• Check exemptions. Some vehicles, such as those purchased by non-residents, may qualify for exemptions.