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Massachusetts · What a car really costs

Buying a car in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts charges sales and use tax of 6.25% statewide on vehicles, with no local add-on. A trade-in does reduce the taxable price, which is real money on the deal.

6.25%
Sales and use tax on a vehicle
Full credit
Trade-in reduces the taxable price
$75.00
Title fee
$60
Registration, typical new car
~$459
Doc fee, typical (no cap)

How the tax works.

No local sales tax in Massachusetts.

Manufacturer rebates do not reduce the taxable sales price (the rebate is consideration paid by a third party); dealer discounts do.

Sales tax on a dealer sale is paid to the RMV when the vehicle is registered (within 10 days), based on the actual price.

Trade-ins: Trade-in of a motor vehicle to a registered dealer reduces the taxable sales price (M.G.L. c. 64H, s. 26).

At the DMV.

FeeAmount
Title$75.00
Registration~$60
Passenger registration $60 for a two-year term (plates included).
Annual value-based tax: {"name":"Motor vehicle excise tax","rate":"$25 per $1,000 of value; value = MSRP x 90% in the model year, 60% year 2, 40% year 3, 25% year 4, 10% thereafter","notes":"Billed annually by the city or town; a $40,000 car owes $900 in the model year."}

Leasing in Massachusetts.

Lease tax applies to each monthly payment rather than to the full price of the car, so you pay it as you go.

Cities in Massachusetts.

Pick your city for the exact combined rate where you register, plus what title and registration run there.

BostonSuffolk CountySpringfieldHampden CountyWorcesterWorcester CountyCambridgeMiddlesex CountyLynnEssex CountyNew BedfordBristol CountyAndoverEssex CountyBrocktonPlymouth CountyChicopeeHampden CountyFall RiverBristol County
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Questions.

How much is sales tax on a car in Massachusetts?

6.25%. Massachusetts applies one rate statewide on vehicles, so it does not change from city to city.

Does a trade-in lower the sales tax in Massachusetts?

Trade-in of a motor vehicle to a registered dealer reduces the taxable sales price (M.G.L. c. 64H, s. 26).

What are title and registration fees in Massachusetts?

Title is $75.00. Passenger registration $60 for a two-year term (plates included).

Is the doc fee capped in Massachusetts?

No. Massachusetts sets no statutory cap, and dealers typically charge around $459. No statutory cap. Typical from CarEdge 2026 (secondary).

How is a lease taxed in Massachusetts?

Tax applies to each monthly payment rather than the whole price of the car, so the tax is spread across the lease.

Where these numbers come from.

Rates, fees, and rules change. These figures are estimates for planning, not tax advice; confirm the final numbers with the dealer and your state's motor vehicle agency before you buy.