When you buy a new or used car in the state of Massachusetts, you need to pay some taxes and registration fees. In addition to the usual stress of making a major purpose, this can add some stress. Here’s some information to put you at ease and let you know what to expect when you buy a car.
Sales Tax
Massachusetts sales tax is 6.25% of the purchase price, or of the current market value of the vehicle. If you trade in a vehicle, then the difference between the current value of your trade-in vehicle and the purchase price of the new vehicle is taxed. These taxes must be paid before registration is completed.
You may be exempt from paying sales tax on your vehicle if:
- Your vehicle was gifted or transferred from a family member.
- The vehicle was bought out of state and registered there for over 6 months.
- You previously purchased a vehicle in Massachusetts but had it delivered and registered in a different state.
Registration
Every vehicle in use in the state of Massachusetts must be registered. If a car is registered to you, you are responsible for the vehicle, and the state associates that vehicle with you. You’re also responsible for paying the annual taxes and making sure the car is insured if it’s in use.
To register your vehicle in Massachusetts, you must bring your proof of insurance, vehicle title, odometer disclosure statement, and payment for your registration fees to your local RMV (Registry of Motor Vehicles) office. If your vehicle was gifted or bought new from a dealership, your paperwork will be slightly different. Registration fees are based on your vehicle type and length of registration.
Massachusetts issues license plates and registration certificates, but not the registration stickers you see in other states. Depending on the plate type, registration must be renewed every year or two. You cannot renew your registration if you have unpaid tickets, excise taxes, or EZ-Pass violations.
The regular one-year passenger vehicle registration fee is $30, and $60 for two-year plates. Motorcycles are $25. If you want a special registration plate, there is a $75 fee. These come in a variety of styles and allow you to support various causes and organizations.
Special vehicles such as custom-built cars, ATVs, snowmobiles, and trailers, have a separate set of registration requirements. See here for more information.
If you still have questions about vehicle registration, stop by Route 9 Nissan. We proudly serve car shoppers and owners throughout the Northborough and North Grafton, MA, areas. On this website, you can learn more about our new and used Nissan inventory, services, sales team, financing options, specials, and more.
We welcome you to start by browsing our wide selection of new and used Nissan SUVs, trucks, and sedans. As you explore more about our Nissan dealership in Westborough, MA, feel free to contact us with any questions!