Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption (DV or Purple Heart Plate)
Full exemption from 6.25% sales tax on one vehicle for veterans issued Disabled Veteran or Purple Heart plates.
State BenefitMassachusettsTax Benefits
Verified September 30, 2026 against mass.gov
At a glance
- Benefit type
- Tax Benefits — Massachusetts
- Who it's for
- Veterans
- VA rating needed
- 60% or higher
- Estimated value
- 6.25% sales tax exemption on one vehicle
- Where it applies
- Massachusetts
- Last verified
- September 30, 2026
What is Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption (DV or Purple Heart Plate)?
Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption (DV or Purple Heart Plate) is a Massachusetts tax benefits benefit for veterans. Full exemption from 6.25% sales tax on one vehicle for veterans issued Disabled Veteran or Purple Heart plates. Requires 60%+ VA disability rating. The listed value is 6.25% sales tax exemption on one vehicle.
Who qualifies
- Veterans
- Requires 60%+ VA disability rating
- Massachusetts residency
Who is eligible
Eligibility
Must have been issued a Disabled Veteran plate or a Purple Heart distinctive registration plate (for purchases on or after February 8, 2025). Vehicle owned by veteran, non-commercial use. One vehicle only.
What Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption (DV or Purple Heart Plate) covers
Covers
Full exemption from MA sales tax (6.25%) on one passenger vehicle or pickup truck.
How to apply for Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption (DV or Purple Heart Plate)
How to apply
Through the RMV when registering the vehicle with DV plates.
Verified information & sources
- Last verified
- September 30, 2026
- Official source
- mass.gov
Compiled and fact-checked against the official source linked above. Benefit rules and dollar amounts change over time — always confirm current details at the official source before applying. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is a free, accredited advocate who can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
How VetUnlock verifies benefitsFrequently asked questions about Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption (DV or Purple Heart Plate)
Who qualifies for Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption (DV or Purple Heart Plate)?
Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption (DV or Purple Heart Plate) is for Veterans; requires 60%+ VA disability rating; massachusetts residency. See the eligibility details on this page and confirm with the official source before applying.
What VA disability rating do I need for Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption (DV or Purple Heart Plate)?
Requires 60%+ VA disability rating.
How much is Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption (DV or Purple Heart Plate) worth?
The listed value is 6.25% sales tax exemption on one vehicle. Amounts can change — confirm the current figure at the official source linked on this page.
How do I apply for Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption (DV or Purple Heart Plate)?
Apply through the official source linked on this page. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
Where can I verify Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption (DV or Purple Heart Plate)?
Benefit rules and dollar amounts change, so always confirm current details at the official source linked on this page. A free, accredited county or state Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can also verify your eligibility and help you apply.
Other Massachusetts Tax Benefits
- Military Retirement Pay Income Tax ExemptionFull retirement pay exemptionMilitary retirement pay is fully exempt from Massachusetts state income tax.
- VA Disability Pension Income Tax ExemptionVA disability pensions are fully exempt from Massachusetts state income tax.
- Survivor Benefit Plan Income Tax ExemptionSBP payments are fully exempt from Massachusetts state income tax.
- Property Tax Exemption -- Clause 22 (10%+ Disability)$400 base ($800 if doubled under HERO Act 22J)Approximately $400 property tax exemption for veterans with 10%+ service-connected disability.