Anyone ever do an even trade on a motorcycle in MA?

**JAYB** · 08-19-12, 06:58 AM

Hi guys. Anyone ever do an even trade from one motorcycle to another? I'm in mass and not sure how this would work. There would be no cash involved. Just an even swap. I was gonna make up a bill of sale. What would I but for price. Zero? I still assume Massachusetts will want me to pay sales tax again ...correct? Bastards.

Any help on this would be awesome.

Thanks

Jay.

**netra709** · 08-19-12, 07:17 AM

It used to be tax on book value, they might have changed it. I haven't lived in Mass in about 20yrs

**SprintPoser** · 08-19-12, 07:34 AM

Yup, they'll hit you for 6.25% sales tax based upon the book value. But it gets to be worse, because if you were to pay more than book value (example, you bought a fully restored classic), they charge that 6.25% on book value or purchase price...whichever is more.

That whole thing still pisses me off as unconstitutional because they should only be charging sales tax on the amount spent. Next thing you know, they'll be charging "book value" sales tax amounts on other things. I can just imagine they'll soon make you pay 6.25% on the MSRP of that dining room set, not the 30% off sales price you got. Thieves!

**mace** · 08-19-12, 07:59 AM

Yes, an "even swap" will still cost you money. dumb -

**Evadd** · 08-19-12, 12:43 PM

If what the above guys say is true, that you'll be charged sales tax even though you're not "buying" anything, I'd arrange with the seller to put something like $100 in the bill of sale for each bike so your sales tax is negligible.

Now, that's probably illegal, so I'm just kidding.

**MikeyZ** · 08-19-12, 01:06 PM

Originally Posted by Evadd

If what the above guys say is true, that you'll be charged sales tax even though you're not "buying" anything, I'd arrange with the seller to put something like $100 in the bill of sale for each bike so your sales tax is negligible.

No because they charge the book value then. Whatever price is HIGHER: The buying price or the book value price they charge the 6.25 off of.

**jbmass** · 08-19-12, 02:12 PM

Originally Posted by MikeyZ

No because they charge the book value then. Whatever price is HIGHER: The buying price or the book value price they charge the 6.25 off of.

That is correct.

**OreoGaborio** · 08-19-12, 04:21 PM

Not that I think it's right, but... I believe you are taxed because the state sees a trade as two different transactions between two sellers and two buyers, they just happen to be the same two people.

**csmutty** · 08-19-12, 05:11 PM

Wow. In CT motorcycles arent done off blue book. They are taxed on the amount on the bill of sale.

**backinthesaddle** · 08-19-12, 05:17 PM

In rhode island you get no sales tax credit when trading in a bike like we do when trading in a car. I hear truck owners get screwed similarly in RI so it's not just a bike thing but it's another annoyance.

**Half Squid** · 08-19-12, 07:00 PM

I did a deal with a member here and we traded bikes. I forget how we did it, but we both filled out forms as we "Gifted" the bikes to one another and I was exempt from paying tax. This could have been before any laws changed and it may not be allowed anymore.

I forget what the form was, I will see if I can find out.

**Half Squid** · 08-19-12, 07:13 PM

Looks like it is still available! It was 4 years ago when I did this without any issue's or taxes!

See the section as marked Vehicles Transferred as a Gift

http://www.mass.gov/rmv/regs/reg3.htm

Form is here: http://www.mass.gov/dor/docs/dor/for...dfs/mvu-24.pdf

**Evadd** · 08-20-12, 07:08 AM

Originally Posted by csmutty

Wow. In CT motorcycles arent done off blue book. They are taxed on the amount on the bill of sale.

I've only done it in CA, but it was the same. They went by bill of sale.

**JAYB** · 08-21-12, 08:26 AM

Thanks for the help guys! Half squid thanks a million for the links !!!

I really need to become more active on this forum. Always looking to meet new people in the area. I'm in templeton MA. Currently ride an 06 speed triple. Though if this swap happens it may be an r1.

Thanks again

Jay

**Half Squid** · 08-21-12, 10:51 AM

Stick with the Tripple.... I would.

**RandyO** · 08-21-12, 11:53 AM

move to NH

**JAYB** · 08-21-12, 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by Half Squid

Stick with the Tripple.... I would.

Lol. Yeah that's what I am thinking. Had the triple for 6 years. Wanting a change. REALLY Want a Brutale or maybe a SuperDuke.

Jay

**duganc1717** · 08-21-12, 03:59 PM

I rarely have paid "book" value on a trade/sale in Ma....

**Half Squid** · 08-21-12, 08:34 PM

i Hear that, I get bored with bikes after a few yers usually.

Brutale and the Superduke are great bikes! I owned a 07 Superduke and regret ever selling it. Such a great all around bike! & cheaper than the Brutale! Service would be cheaper to get done on the Duke also.

I always wanted a tripple, We shall see whats I can work out next year for a new ride. My eyes have been looking!

Originally Posted by JAYB

Lol. Yeah that's what I am thinking. Had the triple for 6 years. Wanting a change. REALLY Want a Brutale or maybe a SuperDuke.

Jay

**PinHead** · 08-22-12, 03:38 PM

When the bikes are traded, you will pay taxes for the book value of the more expensive bike. Even if the bike you are getting may be technically worth less per book value, you will pay the taxes for the more expensive bike.
This happened to me last year, I couldn't fucking believe it.

Anyone ever do an even trade on a motorcycle in MA?

Thread Tools