Excise Tax Information

The Assessing Department administers, but does not determine, motor vehicle excise and boat excise taxes. Those values are set strictly by the Commonwealth.

  1. Motor Vehicle Excise
  2. Boat Excise

Motor Vehicle

Motor Vehicle excise tax is prorated on a monthly basis and are assessed on a calendar year. If a motor vehicle is registered after the month of January, excise will be imposed on only those months the vehicle is registered. If a vehicle is registered for any part of a month excise tax is due for the full month. A Motor Vehicle Excise Abatement Application (PDF) may be warranted once a vehicle is disposed of and the registration has been cancelled with the Registry of Motor Vehicles.  In order to process an abatement, all applications must include a Bill of Sale, proof of trade-in, or proof of donation along with the application. If a vehicle has been in an accident, a “letter of loss” from the insurance company must be included with the application. In addition, all applications must include a plate cancellation receipt from the RMV or a copy of a new registration showing the plates have been registered on a new vehicle. 

Motor Vehicle Excise tax is due and payable within 30 days of issue.



Boat Valuations