Motor Vehicle Excise Tax

          Motor Vehicle Excise Tax is assessed on a calendar year basis (January-December). The valuation of the vehicle is determined by the Department of Motor Vehicles using the manufacturer’s recommended retail price when new multiplied by the applicable percentage:

  • In the year preceding the year of manufacture…50%
  • In the year of manufacture………....……...……..90%
  • In the second year…………………….......………60%
  • In the third year……………………………........…40%
  • In the fourth year……………………………..........25%
  • In the fifth and succeeding years…………….......10%

Excise tax rate is $25.00 per thousand of valuation. Excise taxes are prorated on a monthly basis. The annual excise due on a vehicle registered after January 1 will be reduced by one-twelfth of the full year’s excise for every month prior to the month in which the vehicle was registered. The minimum an excise bill may be is $5.00.

 

Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Abatements

Abatements are available if during a calendar year ownership of a motor vehicle is transferred by sale or otherwise and the registration is cancelled or transferred to another vehicle. Both actions are necessary to qualify for an abatement. Abatements may be requested up three years following the year to which the excise relates.

Proof of ownership transfer and registration cancellation or transfer will be requested. The minimum an abatement may be is $5.00.