Massachusetts § 28C - Reciprocal enforcement of tax liabilities

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 28C — Reciprocal enforcement of tax liabilities, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 28C. Reciprocal enforcement of tax liabilities

Section 28C. At the request of the commissioner, the attorney general may bring suit, in the name of the commonwealth, in the appropriate court of any other state to collect any tax legally due the commonwealth; and any political subdivision of the commonwealth or the appropriate officer thereof, acting in its behalf, may bring suit in the appropriate court of any other state to collect any tax legally due to such political subdivision.

The courts shall recognize and enforce liabilities for taxes similar to the taxes imposed by the commonwealth and lawfully imposed by any other state, or political subdivision thereof, which extends a like comity to the commonwealth, and the duly authorized officer of any other state, or political subdivision thereof, may sue for the collection of such taxes in the courts of the commonwealth. A certificate by the secretary of state of such other state that the officer suing for the collection of such a tax is duly authorized to collect the same shall be conclusive proof of such authority. A certificate by the commissioner of revenue that the tax of such other state or political subdivision thereof is similar to a tax imposed by the commonwealth shall be prima facie evidence of such similarity.

For the purposes of this section, the words ''tax'' and ''taxes'' shall include interest and penalties due under any taxing statute, and liability for such interest or penalties, or both, due under a taxing statute of another state, or political subdivision thereof, shall be recognized and enforced by the courts of the commonwealth to the same extent that the laws of such other state permit the enforcement in its courts of liability for such interest or penalties, or both, due under the tax laws of the commonwealth, or any political subdivision thereof.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 28C

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 28C cover?

Section 28C ("Reciprocal enforcement of tax liabilities") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 28C?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 28C" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 28C apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.