Missouri personal property tax

Estimate the tax on what you owned January 1.

Short answer

For cars, trucks, boats, and trailers, Missouri generally uses one-third of the assessor's value, then applies your local levy per $100. The bill is based on what you owned on January 1, even if you sold it later that year, and you need the paid receipt to renew your license plates. Other kinds of personal property can use different ratios, so this estimator does not cover them.

Estimator

Missouri personal property tax math

January 1 assessor value for cars, trucks, boats, and trailersUse the county assessor's value if you have it, not the price you paid. This estimator is for vehicle-type property assessed at one-third.County (optional — to prefill a typical levy or get a lookup link)Levy per $100 assessed valueUse the same local levy shown for real property: the combined rate for your taxing districts. Find it on a tax bill or collector page.

Assessed value (one-third)

$5,000

Estimated annual tax

Enter a levy

Add the levy above to finish this estimate.

You are taxed on what you owned January 1.

Missouri assesses the vehicle-type property covered here at one-third (33⅓%) of value, then applies the local levy per $100. Farm equipment, livestock, grain, historic vehicles, and manufactured homes can use different ratios or rules. You need the paid receipt to renew your license plates.

Check local place notes Vehicle title & renewal

Step 1

Find the value.

The assessor values your property as of January 1, usually from a standard guide. Personal property is then assessed at one-third of that value.

Step 2

Apply the local levy.

Multiply the assessed value by the levy per $100. It is the same local levy as real property and changes by county, school, fire, and other districts.

Step 3

Keep the paid receipt.

You need the paid personal-property receipt, or a statement of non-assessment, to renew your license plates.

Where to find each number

The two numbers the estimator needs come straight off county paperwork:

January 1 value of your cars, trucks, boats, and trailers: Your assessment list or paid personal-property receipt shows the value, usually from a standard vehicle guide rather than your purchase price.
Levy per $100 assessed value: The same local levy used for real property: on a tax bill, the collector's page, or a parcel estimate. It changes by county, school, fire, and other districts.

Next steps

What to check next

Tie the estimate to the right county value, local levy, and renewal paperwork.

Personal property tax guide The explainer: January 1 ownership, receipts, and statements of non-assessment. Vehicle title & renewal checklist Why you need the paid receipt before you can renew your plates. Property tax estimator Estimate the bill on a home or other real property instead. Look up your county or city Find the assessor or collector tied to the address.

Personal property tax questions people ask first

Do I still owe if I sold the vehicle after January 1?

Often, yes. Missouri personal property tax is tied to what you owned on January 1. Ask your county assessor about edge cases, moves, mistakes, or vehicles that should not be on the list.

Is the value my purchase price?

Usually no. Counties commonly use standard value guides or assessor records. Your county assessor's value is the number to check if the estimate looks far off.

Why does the paid receipt matter for license plates?

Missouri plate renewal can require proof that personal property tax was paid, or a statement of non-assessment when no tax was assessed for the prior year.

Where does the local levy come from?

It comes from the local taxing districts tied to the address: county, school, city, fire, library, and other districts. Use the county bill or collector for the exact levy.

Sources and review

Where this information comes from

Start with the summary here, then use the linked office or agency for the current rule.

Data used: Missouri vehicle-type personal-property assessment ratio (one-third, RSMo 137.115) and DOR receipt/renewal guidance
Last reviewed: June 18, 2026

Missouri State Tax Commission FAQ for assessment ratios, reassessment timing, personal property, and appeal basics.
RSMo 137.115 for assessment percentages, including one-third for most personal property.
Missouri DOR titling and registration help for personal property tax receipts, statements of non-assessment, and plate renewal.

Use this carefully: This estimator covers cars, trucks, boats, trailers, and similar property generally assessed at one-third. Farm equipment, livestock, grain, historic vehicles, manufactured homes, and other classes can use different ratios or rules. The county assessor's value and the collector's bill control.

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