Abatement applications must be received by the assessors within:
• Three years after the excise was due,
• One year after the excise was paid, whichever is later.
To preserve your right to appeal, you must file on time.
Reasons and Required Documentation
Vehicle sold or traded: Must have bill of sale and plate return receipt from Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) or new registration form if plate transferred to another vehicle
Vehicle stolen or total loss: Police report or insurance settlement letter and plate return receipt or new registration form
Vehicle repossessed: Notice from lienholder and plate return receipt, or new registration form
Vehicle junked: Receipt from junk yard and plate return receipt, or new registration form
Vehicle returned (Lemon Law): Letter from dealer certifying return and plate return receipt or new registration form
Moved out of Massachusetts: Registration from new state
You are not entitled to an abatement if you:
• Cancel your registration and retain ownership of the vehicle.
• Move to another Massachusetts city or town during the calendar year.
• No excise may be reduced to less than $5.00. No abatement or refund of less than $5.00 may be made.
Please see below for abatement applications.