Motor Vehicle Excise Abatement: what Reading residents need to know
(2-minute read)
If you’ve sold a vehicle, no longer own it, or moved, you may be eligible for a Motor Vehicle Excise Abatement. The Town of Reading is reminding residents that abatements are available in certain situations- but proper documentation is required.
What qualifies for an abatement?
You may qualify for a motor vehicle excise abatement if your vehicle was:
Sold
Donated
Totaled
Transferred to another owner
Eligibility depends on both the timing of the change and the submission of the required proof.
Required documentation (two documents needed)
To apply for an abatement, residents must provide two forms of proof:
Proof of plate cancellation or replacement
Plate cancellation receipt from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), or
Registration for a new vehicle
Proof of ownership transfer, such as:
Bill of sale
Donation receipt
Insurance total loss letter
Both documents are required to process the request.
Moved? What to know before you apply
Moved out of state
Flyer by the Town of Reading.
If you moved out of Massachusetts, you must provide:
Your new state vehicle registration
Plate cancellation receipt from the Massachusetts RMV
Moved within Massachusetts.
If you moved to another town within Massachusetts:
You will only receive one excise tax bill per calendar year
Residents are encouraged to log in to their RMV profile to confirm their Garage Code and Mailing Address are accurate to avoid billing issues.
Questions or need help?
For questions about eligibility, documentation, or the application process, residents should contact the Reading Assessor’s Office: Assessors@ReadingMA.gov.
Staying informed and submitting the correct paperwork can help ensure your motor vehicle excise tax bill accurately reflects your situation.
