What was the tax I paid when I bought my vehicle?

Motor Vehicles, like most other purchases in Massachusetts, are subject to the Commonwealth’s Sales Tax. Sales Tax is a different tax from Motor Vehicle & Trailer Excise Tax. Sales Tax Revenues are paid directly to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and are used to contribute to the services and programs provided by the Commonwealth. The town does not receive sales tax revenues, and hence, sales taxes do not directly contribute to the services provided by the town.