In Massachusetts, the calculation of excise taxes depends on the specific type of excise being levied. For motor vehicle excise, the tax is based on the vehicle’s value as determined by the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), multiplied by a rate set by the municipality where the vehicle is registered. This rate is typically a few dollars per thousand dollars of valuation. For other excises, such as those on fuel, tobacco, or alcohol, the calculation method varies. Fuel excise, for example, is typically a fixed amount per gallon, while alcohol and tobacco excises may be calculated as a percentage of the wholesale price or a fixed amount per unit.
These taxes represent a significant revenue stream for municipalities and the state, funding essential services such as road maintenance, education, and public safety. The system’s structure aims to distribute the tax burden fairly, with higher-valued vehicles contributing more to the upkeep of public infrastructure. The implementation and rates of these levies have evolved over time, reflecting changing societal needs and economic conditions. Historically, excise taxes have played a vital role in funding government operations.