Boat Excise Tax Information

BOAT EXCISE TAX

Guidelines:

For the purpose of computing excise tax, the state offers the following guidelines:

• Excluded from the payment of such excise are vessels engaged exclusively in commercial fishing, with a total value of $10,000 or less, and vessels with a value of $1,000 or less.
• An abatement may be granted if the boat is sold or otherwise transferred, registered and moved to another state, and the registration is surrendered or is not renewed in Massachusetts.

Use Boat Excise Abatement Application to file an abatement. This form is also available at the Assessor’s Office.

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 60B, Section 2

In accordance with state guidelines, any person who owns a watercraft on July 1st shall annually, on or before August 1st, file a 2BE-1 Form with the Board of Assessors of the town where such a vessel is moored or docked, or where it is principally situated. This form is also available at the Assessor’s Office