If you feel you are entitled to any adjustment of your excise bill, it is strongly recommended that you pay the bill in full, then contact the Manchester Board of Assessors for an abatement. Although payment of a bill is not a precondition for an abatement, an owner risks incurring late fees and penalties if an abatement is not granted. The assessors must receive applications for abatement any time within 3 years after the date the excise was due or 1 year after the date the excise was paid, whichever is later. Taxpayers must file on time to preserve the right to abatement and to appeal.
A person need not have a handicap plate to be eligible for this exemption. Alternatively, one who has a handicap plate is not per se entitled to an exemption.
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has produced this booklet as a public service. There may be other offices to contact for specific information regarding your excise tax bill.