city_hall

Official websites use .boston.gov

A .boston.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the City of Boston.

lock

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Technical maintenance
/
We are performing technical maintenance on the City of Boston's mattress pickup booking system. We will not be accepting requests during this time. We expect the work to complete on Monday, May 13.

How to file an excise tax abatement

Last updated:

An abatement is a reduction in your excise taxes. You have two options to file an abatement for your motor vehicle or boat excise tax:

Step
1

Before you get started by mail

You can only file an abatement for specific reasons. Please check to make sure you’re able to file an abatement:

You have until three years after the excise is due — OR one year after you pay the excise bill — to file an abatement.

You can find the abatement form on the reverse side of your excise tax bill. You can also download and print a blank abatement form online:

You can also call the Taxpayer Referral and Assistance Center at 617-635-4287 and we will send you the form you need.

Step
2

Mail us your application

Step
1

Before you get started in person

You can only file an abatement for specific reasons. Please check to make sure you’re able to file an abatement:

You have until three years after the excise is due — OR one year after you pay the excise bill — to file an abatement.

You can find the abatement form on the reverse side of your excise tax bill. You can also download and print a blank abatement form online:

Step
2

Go to Boston City Hall

You can bring your completed form or fill out a new one. Visit us at the Taxpayer Referral and Assistance Center on the Mezzanine level:

Room M-5, 1 City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201
icon-time
COVID-19 office hours
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Keep in mind

Pay your excise tax

If you plan to file an abatement, it’s a good idea to pay your excise tax. If you don’t pay your excise bill and we deny your abatement, you will have to pay any late fees and penalties.

A motor vehicle excise payment is due 30 days after we issue the bill.  A boat excise payment is due 60 days after we issue the bill.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Call the Taxpayer Referral and Assistance Center at 617-635-4287.

Back to top