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Quote:Retail Sales Tax
When you buy a used vehicle privately, the retail sales tax you pay is based on the purchase price or the vehicle's wholesale value, whichever is more. If the buyer paid less than the Canadian Red Book value and an appraisal supports a lower price because of the condition of the vehicle, tax is paid on the declared price or appraised value, whichever is higher. Any reduction in tax is available only when a completed appraisal is given to a licence issuer prior to changing ownership. If the transfer has been completed and tax has been paid on the average wholesale value, an appraisal must be sent in with an application for a refund to the Ministry of Finance.

Appraisal forms are available from Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing offices and Ministry of Finance offices.

Tax Exemption
Payment of retail sales tax is not required when a vehicle is a gift and is being transferred between close family members, which only includes a spouse, parent, step-parent, grand-parent, son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, father-in-law or mother-in-law. Only one tax-free transfer per vehicle is allowed every 12 months.

A statement sworn before a Commissioner of Oaths will be required for certain transfers, such as gifts between family members and transfers for insurance purposes. Diplomats and Status Indians who qualify will be able to complete a transfer without paying tax by simply showing their identity card.

Source: Ministry of Transportation of Ontario