Boat Excise Tax FAQs

In accordance with MGL Chapter 60B, this is an amount levied on boats and ships in lieu of a personal property tax for the privilege of using the Commonwealth's waterways. Assessed annually as of July 1, the excise is paid to the community where the boat or ship is usually moored or docked.

1. How is the valuation of boats determined?2. How can I pay my Boat Excise bill?
3. What happens if I do not pay my Boat Excise tax bill?4. I paid my Boat Excise Bill in another town. Why I am receiving a bill from Chilmark?
5. I sold my boat, why am I still receiving a Boat Excise Bill?6. How do you determine who gets billed?
7. How can I file for an abatement? 

1. How is the valuation of boats determined?

We follow guidelines set by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (refer to MGL Chapter 60B) as shown below. Boats are taxed at a rate of ten dollars ($10) per thousand of valuation. 

LENGTH OF VESSEL (Overall center line length excluding bowsprits, boomkins and similar extensions)

VALUATIONS OF VESSELS (based on age of vessel)

 

Under 4 Years of age

4 thru 6 Years of age

7 or More Years of age

Under 16 ft. (Exempt)

$1,000

$700

$400

16 ft. but less than 17.5 ft.

$1,500

$1,000

$800

17.5 ft. but less than 20 ft.

$3,000

$2,000

$1,500

20 ft. but less than 22.5 ft.

$5,000

$3,300

$2,500

22.5 ft. but less than 25 ft.

$7,500

$5,000

$3,800

25 ft. but less than 27.5 ft.

$10,500

$7,000

$5,300

27.5 ft. but less than 30 ft.

$14,000

$9,300

$7,000

30 ft. but less than 35 ft.

$18,500

$12,300

$9,300

35 ft. but less than 40 ft.

$24,000

$16,000

$12,000

40 ft. but less than 50 ft.

$31,500

$21,000

$15,800

50 ft. but less than 60 ft.

$41,000

$27,300

$20,500

60 ft. or over

$50,000

$33,000

$24,800

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2. How can I pay my Boat Excise bill?

Please send a check payable to the Town of Chilmark in the amount shown on your bill. Partial payments will not be accepted.  Mail your payment to the Town of Chilmark, PO Box 119, Chilmark, MA  02535. You may also pay online or stop by the Chilmark Town Hall and hand deliver your payment. The office is open Monday – Friday, 9:00-4:00.

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3. What happens if I do not pay my Boat Excise tax bill?

You will incur a demand fee of $5.00, a waterways penalty of $20 or 20 % of the excise (whichever is greater) and interest at the rate of 12 % interest per annum. You will also be denied a mooring permit.

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4. I paid my Boat Excise Bill in another town. Why I am receiving a bill from Chilmark?

Please send the Assessor’s Office proof that you paid the bill in another town.

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5. I sold my boat, why am I still receiving a Boat Excise Bill?

Please contact the Assessor’s Office at (508) 645-2102. Please DO NOT IGNORE this bill even if you have sold the boat.

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6. How do you determine who gets billed?

At the end of each fiscal year the Assessor’s Office receives a list of boat owners who registered their boats in that fiscal year. They also receive a list of documented boats from the Harbormasters Office. They use both lists to generate boat excise tax bills.

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7. How can I file for an abatement?

Complete this Boat Excise Abatement Form and contact the Assessors Office at (508) 645-2102.

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