Print
Share page with AddThis

Motor Vehicle Excise Tax

Motor Vehicle Excise Bills will be sent out in February

If you are planning to apply for an abatement, please take note of the following:
  • The general rule is: Show us where the plate is, and show us where the car is!
  • If you are applying by mail, DO NOT use the back of your bill. Download an application from this site (MV Appl).  Check the (MV Check List) to ensure that you have sent all documentation required.  Applications without the proper paperwork cannot be processed. Send to the Assessors Office, 380 Great Rd, Stow, MA 01775.
  • If you are applying in person, be sure to read (MV Check List), so that you come prepared with all documentation required.
Note

Due to high volumes of Motor Vehicle abatement applications, not all applications will be processed at the time of drop off. All of us in the Assessors’ Office thank you for following these simple guidelines.  If applications can be processed more efficiently, then you, the taxpayer, can get your money back more quickly.

How do I file for a motor vehicle abatement?

Fill out a motor vehicle abatement form which is available on-line by clicking here.  Be sure to provide the materials requested on the application or your application can not be processed!

Why is my motor vehicle valuation so high (or so low!)?

Valuations on your excise bill are based on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) when new.  A percentage of the MSRP determines the value you see on your bill:

  • Year preceding year of manufacture - 50%
  • Year of manufacture - 90%
  • Second year - 60%
  • Third year - 40%
  • Fourth year - 25%
  • Fifth and every succeeding year - 10%

There is no relationship between what your car is worth as a used car and the "excise value."  Similarly, if you got a great deal on a new car, the price you paid is also unrelated to the "excise value."  These values are set at the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

There has been a change in the way the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) rounds vehicle values for Motor Vehicle excise bills. In previous years, the RMV has rounded the taxable value of each vehicle to the nearest $50 based on the vehicles original MSRP and now they have now changed that practice and are rounding the taxable valuation to the nearest $1. This change will make the bills more accurate for taxation purposes.  Please note that the revision in valuation and rounding was not a change made by the Assessors' Office, but by the Massachusetts Registry of Vehicles as of January 2020.