What is Motor Vehicle Excise Tax?

Chapter 60A of Massachusetts General Laws imposes an excise for the privilege of registering a motor vehicle or a trailer on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The excise is levied annually in lieu of a tangible personal property tax. Non-registered vehicles, however, remain subject to the taxation as personal property.

The excise is levied by the city or town where the vehicle is principally garaged and the revenues become part of the local community treasury.

The Registry of Motor Vehicles prepares data for excise bills according to the information on the motor vehicle registration and sends it to city or town assessors. Cities and towns then prepare bills based on excise data sent by the Registry in compliance with Registry requirements.

Show All Answers

1. What is Motor Vehicle Excise Tax?
2. How is the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax determined?
3. Where should I mail the motor vehicle excise tax payment?
4. When are the payments due for motor excise tax?
5. What if I do not receive an Excise Tax bill?
6. What if I mail in my Motor Vehicle Excise Tax payment late?
7. My vehicles registration and drivers license has been marked for non-renewal at the Registry of Motor vehicles, how do I clear this at the registry?
8. Can I make partial payments on Motor Vehicle Excise Tax?
9. What do I do if I sell or trade my car?
10. What do I do if I move out of Reading?