Applying for a Motor Vehicle Abatement

ATTENTION MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAX CUSTOMERS

You are NOT entitled to an abatement if you:

1. Cancel your registration and retain ownership of the vehicle

2. Move to another Massachusetts city or town during the same calendar year.

 

By law, you must notify the MA Registry of Motor Vehicles within 30 days of any change of residence, mailing or garaging address.

Abatements

Having a Plate Cancellation Receipt or a Certificate of Registration only will not grant you a reduction or refund on your motor vehicle excise tax. To cancel your Registration Plates please visit:

Cancel your vehicle registration (license plates) | Mass.gov

In addition to filing an abatement application, documentation is required to provide proof of the disposition of the vehicle. Depending on the circumstances, please attach copies of the following items to your application:

 

  1. Sold
  1. Bill of Sale OR a copy of the title signed over to the new owner is also acceptable if you do not have a bill of sale.
  2. Plate Return Receipt OR New Registration if plate is transferred to another vehicle.
  1. Traded
  1. Purchase Sales Contract
  2. Plate Return Receipt OR New Registration if plate is transferred.
  1. Gifted
  1. Gift Letter, must include date, person’s name, address and signature.
  2. Plate Return Receipt OR New Registration if plate is transferred.
  1. Junked
  1. Receipt from Junk Yard
  2. Plate Return Receipt OR New Registration if plate is transferred.
  1. Stolen
  1. Police Report
  2. Plate Return Receipt OR New Registration if plate is transferred to another vehicle.
  1. Repossessed
  1. Repossession Letter must include date of Repossession.
  2. Plate Return Receipt OR New Registration if plate is transferred to another vehicle.
  1. Accident/Total Loss
  1.  Insurance Company settlement letter 
  2. Plate Return Receipt OR New Registration if plate is transferred to another vehicle.
  1. Incorrect Garaging
  1. Coverage Selection Page or Declarations Page from your Auto Policy Ins.
  2. Plate Return Receipt OR New Registration if plate is transferred.
  1. Moved out of State
  1. New State Registration
  2. Plate Return Receipt OR New Registration if plate is transferred.
  1. Exempt
  1. Blind Certificate or ST-2 Tax Exempt Certificate
  2. Plate Return Receipt OR New Registration if plate is transferred.
  1. Military Active Duty
  1. Letter from Commanding Officer
  2. Plate Return Receipt OR New Registration if plate is transferred.
  1. Disabled Veteran

You must file 1st with the RMV, please click on the following link:

https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-disability-placard-or-license-plate

Once your application has been processed by the RMV we will need:

  1. Eligibility letter from RMV Medical Affairs stating individual veteran is eligible for DV plate.
  2. Plate Return Receipt OR New Registration if plate is transferred.
  1. Leased Vehicles
  1. The Leasing Co. as the owner of the vehicle must file the Motor Vehicle Excise Abatement Application. Please contact your leasing company.

Ways to submit your application

Online: Assessors: Administration & Finance, City of Springfield, MA (springfield-ma.gov)

In Person: Springfield City Hall, 36 Court St. Rm 9, Springfield, MA 01103

Mail to:  Board of Assessors, 36 Court St. Rm. 9, Springfield, MA 01103

 

 

Page last updated:  Friday, May 29, 2020 03:07 pm