Motor Vehicle Excise

All Massachusetts residents who own and register a motor vehicle must pay the motor vehicle excise annually. The city or town where the vehicle is principally garaged levies the excise and the revenues become part of the general funds of the municipality.

The excise is based on information furnished on the application for registration of the motor vehicle. Any correction of name, model, registration number, make or year of manufacture must be recorded with the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
  1. Who prepares the excise bill?
  2. How is the excise value of the motor vehicle determined?
  3. How is the excise bill calculated?
  4. How do I change the mailing address on my excise bill?
  5. Is anyone exempt from paying the excise tax?
  6. What is the non-resident serviceman's exemption?
  7. What is the ruling on leased vehicles?
  8. Who collects the excise tax?
  9. When is the excise payment due?
  10. What if I don't receive my excise bill?
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Excise Bill Abatement
If an owner of a motor vehicle feels that they are entitled to an adjustment of their excise bill, it is strongly recommended that they pay the bill in full, then contact the Board of Assessors for an application for abatement.

Do not ignore an excise bill for a vehicle you no longer own.
  1. Who should file excise tax abatement?
  2. When should I file an excise abatement application?
  3. Where can I get an application for abatement of motor vehicle?
  4. Should I pay the excise before filing an abatement application?
  5. What if the excise abatement is denied?
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