Under what circumstances might a motor vehicle excise abatement be warranted?

Abatements can be filed if:

  • The owner believes the assessment is incorrect, or
  • If the vehicle was traded, or
  • If the vehicle was stolen, or
  • If the vehicle was sold during the year in which it is being taxed and the registration was properly cancelled, or
  • If the owner moves from Lawrence to another community on or before January 1 or
  • If the owner moved to another state and registered the vehicle and cancelled the registration in Massachusetts or
  • If the registration is cancelled, it is most important to return the plate(s) to the Registry of Motor Vehicles and obtain a return plate receipt

When an abatement is granted, excise bills are prorated by the month, thus the owner is responsible for the excise accrued through the month in which the car was last registered to him / her. For more information, contact the Assessor at 978-620-3190.

Show All Answers

1. What is motor vehicle excise?
2. How is excise tax determined?
3. Who collects the motor vehicle excise?
4. When is payment due?
5. What happens if my payment is late?
6. What if I sold my car?
7. What if I've moved out of Massachusetts and / or Lawrence?
8. Can I get an abatement on my motor vehicle excise?
9. Under what circumstances might a motor vehicle excise abatement be warranted?
10. How does non-payment of motor vehicle excise affect license and registration?
11. What if I traded my car?
12. What if my car stolen?
13. Am I eligible for exemptions?
14. Where can I get more information about motor vehicle excise?