What are the penalties for nonpayment of the excise?

An excise must be paid within 30 days of the issuance of the bill.

Any unpaid bill accrues interest at a rate of 12% per annum from the 31st day to the date of payment. The following steps for collection are set forth in M.G.L. Ch. 60A Sec. 2A:

  • The collector will send a demand which must be made more than one day after such excise becomes due. The demand fee is $15.
  • If payment is not made within 14 days of the demand, the collector will issue a warrant to collect to a deputy collector, the charge for which is $10. The deputy collector will then send a notice of his warrant to the taxpayer.
  • Upon failure to pay within 30 days of the notice of warrant, the deputy collector will make a service of warrant.

If the excise continues to be outstanding, the deputy collector or collector notifies the Registrar of Motor Vehicles within a two year period after the initial excise tax was issued.

The Registry of Motor Vehicles will then mark or place in non-renewal status the license and registration of the taxpayer.

Show All Answers

1. What is the motor vehicle and trailer excise?
2. What valuation is used for motor vehicle excise bills?
3. What is the rate of excise and where is it assessed?
4. Are there any exemptions from the motor vehicle excise?
5. For what reasons may I get an abatement of a motor vehicle excise?
6. What are the penalties for nonpayment of the excise?
7. I cancelled my insurance but I am still receiving a tax bill. Why?
8. What are the regulations regarding vehicles owned and registered by handicapped persons?