Motor Vehicle Excise Abatement Application
When applying for a motor vehicle abatement, please be sure you have all the proper documentation. You must provide proof of the disposition of both the vehicle and the plate.
| Sold | Bill of sale and plate return receipt or if the plate is transferred then a copy of registration form. |
| Traded | Purchase agreement citing vehicle as trade-in and copy of new registration form or plate return receipt. |
| Stolen or Total Loss | Insurance settlement letter showing conveyance of title to insurance company, with VIN # and date of loss and C-19 Form (Affidavit of Lost or Stolen Plate) from Registry of Motor Vehicles or if the plate is transferred then a copy of new registration form, or plate return receipt. |
| Moved from Lynnfield | Proof of garaging prior to January 1 of year of bill. Copy of insurance policy (coverage selection page). You must notify the Registry within 30 days of the move. Note: Moving to another city or town does not entitle you to an abatement. |
| Moved from Massachusetts | Registration form from the new state or county and plate return receipt. |
| Junked Vehicle | Receipt from junkyard and plate return receipt or if plate transferred then a copy of new registration form. |
| Repossessed Vehicle | Repossession letter with VIN # and repossession date and plate return receipt or if plate transferred then a copy of new registration form. |
| Exempt | Proof of entitlement to the statutory exemption. |
Instructions
To apply for an abatement, or refund if excise has been paid, complete the following form and provide the specified documentation.
Abatement applications must be received by the Assessors Office within 3 years after the excise was due, or 1 year after the excise was paid, whichever is later. To preserve your right to appeal, you must file on time. By law, assessors may only act on late applications in limited circumstances where the excise is still unpaid and their decision in those cases is final.
Filing an application does not stay the collection of your excise bill. To avoid interest, charges, and collection action, including non-renewal of your registration, you must pay the bill in full within 30 days of the issue date. You will receive a refund if an abatement is granted.
Note: You are not entitled to an abatement if you (1) cancel your registration and retain ownership of the vehicle or (2) move to another Massachusetts city or town during the calendar year. No excise may be reduced to less than $5.00, and no abatement or refund of less than $5.00 may be made.