Massachusetts car tax
Massachusetts charges a yearly motor vehicle excise of $25 for every $1,000 of value. The value is a statutory percentage of the manufacturer's list price that depends only on the model year, not on what you paid. Your city or town mails the bill, and it is due 30 days after it is issued.
M.G.L. c.60A §1. The 10% rate applies to the fifth year and every year after. The minimum bill is $5. The tax is prorated by month for the calendar year in which you register.
Massachusetts car tax calculator
- Excise value: $35,000 MSRP × 40% (age 2 yr) = $14,000
- Excise: $14,000 × 2.5% = $350
Based on the manufacturer's original list price (MSRP), not what you paid. Your bill may be prorated for months you owned the car.
How the tax drops as a $35,000 car ages in Massachusetts
Same car, each year of ownership. The rate falls as the car gets older.
Buying a car in Massachusetts: one-time tax
Massachusetts sales/use tax on motor vehicles — 6.25%. Your trade-in is subtracted before tax.
Paid at the RMV when you register a car bought from a private party; a dealer collects it on a dealer sale.
Registration and due dates
Passenger plates cost $60 for two years and a title costs $75. The yearly safety and emissions inspection is $35.
Bills are due 30 days after they are issued. Most towns mail the main bills in February or March for the calendar year, and send more bills during the year for newly registered cars. Unpaid excise can lead to RMV non-renewal of your license and registration.
Cut what your car costs in Massachusetts
Car tax is set by your town, but your loan and insurance aren't. Refinancing a car loan at a lower rate often saves more each year than the tax itself.
Questions
How is the Massachusetts excise calculated?
Excise = MSRP × the year's percentage × $25 per $1,000. The percentages are 50% in the year before the model year, then 90%, 60%, 40%, 25%, and 10% from the fifth year on.
Does it matter what I paid for the car?
No. Only the manufacturer's list price and the model year count.
Can I get an abatement?
Yes, if you sold, traded, or moved the car out of state. Apply to your local assessor with the plate return receipt. The excise is prorated by month.
Is there a minimum bill?
Yes. The minimum is $5, and towns do not issue bills under $5.
Sources
- M.G.L. c.60A §1 (via Town of Hubbardston explainer)
- Town of Dracut – Excise Tax Information
- Massachusetts motor vehicle excise (Mass.gov)
Last checked October 14, 2026. Rates are for passenger cars owned by individuals; leased, business and specialty vehicles can differ. Confirm with your tax collector or commissioner of the revenue.