To: All Boat Owners

From: Douglas Board of Assessors

RE: Boat Excise Tax

The Massachusetts Department of Revenue has informed the Town of Douglas that it is the obligation of each city and town to assess and collect boat excise tax. The Town has received a listing from the Environmental Law Enforcement of the owners of boats that are either docked or principally moored in Douglas.

Each year all boat owners must fill out a State Tax Form 2BE-1 no later than the end of  March.

If you have a change with your boat you must file either a Cancellation Form or a Status Change Form (Motorboat, Snowmobile/OHV) This form must be returned to the Douglas Assessor’s office. Once reviewed, we will send the form to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Environmental Law Enforcement.

Once the forms are received, boat excise tax bills will be produced. As noted on the State Tax Form 2BE-1, “FAILURE TO FILE A RETURN SEASONABLY MAY RESULT IN A PENALTY EQUAL TO 50% OF THE TAX. A COMPLETE FAILURE TO FILE WOULD RESULT IN A DENIAL OF ANY APPLICATION FOR ABATEMENT.”

Please file a separate form for each boat. If you need additional forms, please call the office at

508-476-4000 ext. 253.

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

BOARD OF ASSESSORS,

JOHN A. BLATCHFORD

CAROL FIELD

ARTHUR GRIFFIN