Rakibul Hasan, the CEO and founder of Autosdonation, is an automotive specialist with over a decade of industry experience. With a distinct mastery in car...Read more
Are you thinking of gifting or receiving a car in Utah? If so, you may be wondering whether you’ll have to pay taxes on it. The answer is not a simple yes or no, as it depends on various factors, such as the value of the car and your relationship with the gifter. Keep reading to find out more about the rules and regulations surrounding gifted cars in Utah, and how they may affect your tax liability.
In Utah, the state imposes a tax on the fair market value of a gifted car, which is calculated based on the vehicle’s retail value at the time of transfer. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as transfers between spouses, parents, and children, and other close family members. If you’re unsure about whether you’ll be subject to the gift tax, it’s best to consult with a tax professional or the Utah State Tax Commission to get a clear understanding of your obligations.
In Utah, you are not required to pay taxes on a gifted car as long as you are a qualified family member of the donor. The qualified family members include spouses, parents, siblings, and children. However, if you are not a qualified family member or if the car is gifted to you by a business, you will need to pay a gift tax based on the car’s market value.

Do You Pay Taxes on a Gifted Car in Utah?
Understanding Gift Tax in Utah
If you are a resident of Utah and have received a gifted car, you may be wondering whether you are required to pay taxes on it. In Utah, the gift tax is not applicable, which means that you can receive gifts from anyone without having to pay any taxes on them. However, this does not mean that you are exempt from paying other taxes, such as sales tax or use tax, if applicable.
When you receive a gifted car, you will not be required to pay any taxes on the transfer of ownership. However, if you plan to register the vehicle in Utah, you will be required to pay sales tax or use tax, depending on whether the vehicle was purchased within or outside the state.
When is Sales Tax Applicable?
Sales tax is applicable when the gifted vehicle was purchased within Utah. The sales tax rate in Utah is 6.85%, which is calculated on the purchase price of the vehicle. If the gifted vehicle was purchased within Utah, you will be required to pay the applicable sales tax when you register the vehicle in Utah.
When is Use Tax Applicable?
Use tax is applicable when the gifted vehicle was purchased outside Utah. The use tax rate in Utah is also 6.85%, which is calculated on the fair market value of the vehicle. If the gifted vehicle was purchased outside Utah, you will be required to pay the applicable use tax when you register the vehicle in Utah.
Benefits of Gifting a Car
Gifting a car can be a great way to show your appreciation to a loved one or friend. It is also a great way to transfer ownership of a vehicle without having to go through the hassle of selling it. When you gift a car, you do not have to pay any gift tax, which can save you a lot of money.
Additionally, gifting a car can be a great way to avoid probate. If you gift a car to a loved one and include it in your will, the vehicle will not have to go through the probate process when you pass away. This can save your loved ones a lot of time and money.
Gifted Car Vs. Sold Car
When it comes to transferring ownership of a vehicle, gifting a car can be a better option than selling it. When you sell a car, you have to go through the process of advertising it, negotiating with potential buyers, and completing the paperwork. This can be time-consuming and stressful.
On the other hand, when you gift a car, you do not have to go through any of these steps. You simply transfer ownership of the vehicle to the recipient and they can register it in their name. Additionally, you do not have to pay any gift tax when you gift a car, which can save you money.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you have received a gifted car in Utah, you will not be required to pay any gift tax. However, you may be required to pay sales tax or use tax when you register the vehicle in Utah, depending on where the vehicle was purchased. Gifting a car can be a great way to show your appreciation to a loved one or friend, and it can also be a great way to avoid probate. If you are considering gifting a car, it is important to understand the tax implications and to consult with a tax professional if necessary.
Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you Pay Taxes on a Gifted Car in Utah?
Yes, you may have to pay taxes on a gifted car in Utah, depending on the circumstances. If the gift giver is a resident of Utah, you will need to pay a gift tax. The amount of tax you will need to pay will depend on the value of the car and the relationship between the giver and the receiver.
However, if the gift giver is not a resident of Utah, you may not have to pay any gift tax. It’s important to consult with a tax professional to determine if you need to pay taxes on a gifted car in Utah.
What is the Gift Tax in Utah?
The gift tax in Utah is calculated based on the value of the gift and the relationship between the giver and the receiver. The tax rate ranges from 0.8% to 16% of the fair market value of the gift. If the gift is worth less than $14,000, it may be exempt from gift tax. However, it’s important to consult with a tax professional to determine the exact amount of gift tax you will need to pay.
It’s important to note that the gift tax is paid by the gift giver, not the gift receiver. The gift giver will need to file a gift tax return with the Utah State Tax Commission.
What is the Fair Market Value of a Gifted Car?
The fair market value of a gifted car is the price that the car would sell for on the open market. This value can be determined by researching the selling prices of similar cars in your area. If you are unsure of the fair market value of a gifted car, you may want to consult with a car appraiser or a tax professional.
It’s important to note that the fair market value of the car will be used to calculate the gift tax, if any, that you will need to pay on a gifted car in Utah.
Are there any Exemptions from Gift Tax in Utah?
Yes, there are some exemptions from gift tax in Utah. If the gift is worth less than $14,000, it may be exempt from gift tax. Additionally, gifts to certain organizations, such as charities and political organizations, may also be exempt from gift tax.
It’s important to consult with a tax professional to determine if your gift is eligible for any exemptions from gift tax in Utah.
What Happens if I Don’t Pay Gift Tax on a Gifted Car in Utah?
If you don’t pay gift tax on a gifted car in Utah, you may be subject to penalties and interest. The Utah State Tax Commission may assess a penalty of up to 10% of the gift tax due, plus interest. Additionally, if you fail to file a gift tax return, the penalty may increase to 25% of the gift tax due.
If you are unsure if you need to pay gift tax on a gifted car in Utah, it’s important to consult with a tax professional to avoid any penalties or interest charges.
Gift Tax Explained – Do You Pay Taxes On Gifted Money?
In conclusion, it is important to understand the tax laws surrounding gifted cars in Utah. While you may receive a car as a gift, it does not exempt you from paying taxes on it. The value of the car will determine the amount of taxes owed. It is important to consult with a tax professional or the Utah State Tax Commission to ensure that you are following all necessary procedures and paying the appropriate taxes on your gifted car.
Furthermore, there are certain circumstances where you may be exempt from paying taxes on a gifted car in Utah. For example, if the car was gifted to you by a family member, there may be special exemptions available. It is important to research and understand these exemptions before assuming that you are exempt from paying taxes.
Ultimately, it is important to be aware of the tax laws surrounding gifted cars in Utah to avoid any potential legal issues or penalties. By consulting with a tax professional or the Utah State Tax Commission and staying informed about tax exemptions, you can ensure that you are following all necessary procedures and paying the appropriate taxes on your gifted car.
Rakibul Hasan, the CEO and founder of Autosdonation, is an automotive specialist with over a decade of industry experience. With a distinct mastery in car donations, sponsorships, and gifting, Rakibul combines his passion for automobiles and generosity to revolutionize the car donation landscape. He established Autosdonation to facilitate the car donation and gifting process, making it more accessible and enjoyable for all involved.
More Posts