Motor Vehicle Excise FAQs

Can I make partial payments on my excise tax bill?

No. Partial payments are not accepted on excise taxes.

I just received an excise bill for a car I no longer own. What do I do?

Contact the assessors office for an abatement. If there is a balance due after the abatement, the balance is due by the original due date. Any balance due after that date is subject to a $30 demand fee and interest at 12% per annum.

I moved out of Westport but received my excise bill from Westport. What do I do?

If you moved after January 1st and remain in Massachusetts then you pay your excise to the Town of Westport for the current bill. You need to update your mailing address and place of garaging at the RMV so that your future bills will go through the correct city or town. If you moved prior to January 1st contact the assessors 508-636-1012.

If you moved after January 1st and have moved out of state and have re-registered your vehicle in another state and have canceled your Massachusetts registration, contact the assessors office for an abatement. If there is a balance due after the abatement, the balance is due by the original due date. Any balance due after that date is subject to a $30 demand fee and interest at 12% per annum.

Why should I pay interest and/or demands fees on a late payment when I never received my tax bill?

Under state law, failure to receive a bill does not affect the validity of the tax or any interest or fines incurred due to late payment(s). It is the responsibility of the taxpayer to secure his/her tax bill when one is not received.