What happens if my payment is late?

If an excise is not paid within thirty (30) days from the issue date, the Tax Collector sends a Demand Notice. The charge for the Demand Notice is $30. Interest accrues on the overdue bill from the day after the due date until the date of payment at an annual rate of 12%. If the demand is not answered within 14 days, the collector may issue a warrant to the Deputy Tax Collector. The taxpayer is then additionally liable for a warrant fee of $10. The warrant notice sent by the deputy collector to the taxpayer costs $12. 


If this notice is not answered then a final warrant will be delivered to the taxpayer at his / her residence or place of business at another fee of $17. If, after the Service of the $17 warrant, the bill is not paid, a Final Notice before Marking will be sent to the owner's last known address. If the bill is not paid within five business days, the license and registration of the owner of the vehicle will be marked for non-renewal at the Registry of Motor Vehicles. The fee for placing the non-renewal mark is $20. All bills clearly state the interest and charges. For more information, contact the Tax Collector at 978-620-31700.

Show All Answers

1. What is motor vehicle excise?
2. How is excise tax determined?
3. Who collects the motor vehicle excise?
4. When is payment due?
5. What happens if my payment is late?
6. What if I sold my car?
7. What if I've moved out of Massachusetts and / or Lawrence?
8. Can I get an abatement on my motor vehicle excise?
9. Under what circumstances might a motor vehicle excise abatement be warranted?
10. How does non-payment of motor vehicle excise affect license and registration?
11. What if I traded my car?
12. What if my car stolen?
13. Am I eligible for exemptions?
14. Where can I get more information about motor vehicle excise?