New to MA and Stoughton (sales, insurance, transfer)

[LOJ2517]

Hi Everyone,
I need some advice that you might be able to help me out with. I am just moving down to Stoughton and just bought a car in NH in August. I called the RMV and they told me that they have to charge me the sales tax of 6.25%. There is absolutely no way I am going to be able to pay close to 1000$ to have my registration transferred and then another 300$+ for licenses etc. Is there anything I can do? And if not, what exactly happens if I can't pay for this and I get pulled over etc.? Thanks in advance!

[Dm84]

What happens is in theory you can get a ticket for not registering your car in MA and not having an MA license. What should concern you more is the potential that your insurance company could deny your claim if you're illegally registered/licensed. The $1,300 is a drop in the bucket compared to what you could be on the hook for if you're in an accident and your insurer refuses to pay.

[CaseyB]

You may get away with it for a few months but eventually you will have to make the transfer. Start saving the money for it now.

[LOJ2517]

Originally Posted by Dm84

What happens is in theory you can get a ticket for not registering your car in MA and not having an MA license. What should concern you more is the potential that your insurance company could deny your claim if you're illegally registered/licensed. The $1,300 is a drop in the bucket compared to what you could be on the hook for if you're in an accident and your insurer refuses to pay.

I've thought about this as well and I hope it doesn't come down to this, but I am going to transfer my license first and start working my way through to getting the car registered.

[MTQ3000]

Originally Posted by LOJ2517

Hi Everyone,
I need some advice that you might be able to help me out with. I am just moving down to Stoughton and just bought a car in NH in August. I called the RMV and they told me that they have to charge me the sales tax of 6.25%. There is absolutely no way I am going to be able to pay close to 1000$ to have my registration transferred and then another 300$+ for licenses etc. Is there anything I can do? And if not, what exactly happens if I can't pay for this and I get pulled over etc.? Thanks in advance!

You don't have to pay sales tax in MA if:
(i) you were a resident of NH when you bought and registered the car in NH; and
(ii) at least six months have elapsed since you bought and registered the car.

Sounds like you would be in the clear in January or so.

Check it out: https://www.massrmv.com/rmv/regs/reg4.htm

Mick