Skip to main content

Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Tax

The Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Tax is imposed on anyone who registers a motor vehicle or trailer in Massachusetts. A tax is incurred for each year of registration. In some cases, you may qualify for a tax abatement or refund. Please note that filing an abatement application does not stay the collection of your excise tax. To avoid interest charges and collection actions, you must pay your excise tax in full by the deadline on your bill. If an abatement is granted, you will receive a refund for the difference.

Overview of the Tax

Pay Excise Tax Online

Abatement Application

Information Handout - English

Information Handout - Español

Information Handout - Portugues

Information Handout - Kreyòl Ayisyen

Information Handout - Mandarin


Programs & Initiatives

Join us to celebrate Somerville’s open spaces, engage with the City outside of formal meetings, and of course – enjoy some pizza.
The City of Somerville’s New Small Business Vitality Grant offers up to 12 months of rental support for physical storefronts, with a maximum of $50,000.

Please submit website feedback using this form. Be sure to include:

A description of the issue (if any)
A link to the affected pages

Thank you for your feedback!