Excise Abatement Information

In order to qualify for an excise abatement, two actions are necessary:

• The owner must convey title to another party 
• The owner must transfer or cancel the registration.

The performance of one of these actions alone does not qualify a person for an abatement.

Sold or Transferred Vehicle

We require a bill of sale with new owner's name and the date the transfer took place AND a copy of the plate return receipt or a copy of your new registration showing the same plate is on your new vehicle.

Moved to Another City or Town in Massachusetts

Excise tax should be paid to the city or town where the vehicle was garaged on January 1st. It is the vehicle owner's responsibility to notify the Registry of Motor Vehicles of any change of address within 30 days of moving.

Moved Out of State

We require a copy of plate return receipt or a CA-19 form (Lost Plate Affidavit signed by the Registry of Motor Vehicles) showing that the registration was canceled AND a copy of the new registration in your new state.

Car Totaled in Accident

We require a letter from your insurance company (on their letterhead) that the vehicle was totaled and the exact date settlement was made AND a copy of the plate return receipt or CA-19 form (Lost Place Affidavit signed by the Registry of Motor Vehicles) or copy of your new registration showing the same plate is now on your new vehicle.

Hours and Contact Information

The Assessors Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Please feel free to call the Assessors Office at (413) 596-2800, Ext. 209 with any questions regarding excise abatements.

Note: Filing a motor vehicle excise abatement application (PDF) does not stay the collection of your excise bill. To avoid interest, charges and collection action, including non-renewal of your registration, you must pay the bill in full within 30 days of its issue date. You will receive a refund if an abatement is granted.