Excise Information
All Massachusetts residents who own and register a motor vehicle must annually pay a motor vehicle excise tax. Excise bills are prepared by the Registry of Motor Vehicles, sent to the Town Assessors who commit them to the Collector for distribution and payment.
Payment of the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax by personal check, money order, or cash may be made at the Office of the Collector / Treasurer at 1471 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 or payment may be made online.
Abatement
The Assessor's Office will require that you complete the Abatement Form (PDF) regarding the license plates for the vehicle. If you have a question about a motor vehicle excise abatement please contact the Assessor's Office.
Rate Establishment
The rate of excise is $25 per $1,000 of valuation as established by MGL Chapter 60A, Section 1 based on the year of the vehicle and the manufacturer's suggested retail price of the vehicle in the year of manufacture.
Payment is due and payable in full within 30 days of issue.
Non-Payment
Failure to receive a Notice of Excise Tax does not affect the validity of the excise (MGL Chapter 60A, Section 2). Penalties for Non-Payment include the following:
- Interest Rate of 12%
- Demand Fee of $10 (effective 07/01/2010)
- Warrant Fee of $10
- Warrant Notice Fee of $12
- Final Warrant Fee of $17
- Non-Renewal of Registration and Driver's License Fee $20