Massachusetts Income Tax Calculator
Calculate your total tax burden in Massachusetts. See MA state income tax (5% top rate), federal tax, and FICA combined. Free, instant, private.
Massachusetts Income Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Massachusetts median: $96,505
Your Total Tax Burden
$25,053
Take-Home: $71,452 · Effective Rate: 26.0%
Federal Tax
$12,845
13.3% eff.
MA State Tax
$4,825
5.0% eff.
FICA
$7,383
7.7% eff.
Take-Home
$71,452
74.0% kept
Tax Breakdown
Massachusetts Tax Bracket Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $96,505.00 | $8,042.08 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$12,845.10 | -$1,070.43 |
| Massachusetts State Tax | -$4,825.25 | -$402.10 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$5,983.31 | -$498.61 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$1,399.32 | -$116.61 |
| Take-Home Pay | $71,452.02 | $5,954.33 |
Marginal Tax Rate
5%
MA state only
Effective Tax Rate
26.0%
All taxes combined
Massachusetts Tax System Overview
Massachusetts has a flat 5% income tax plus a 4% surtax on income over $1 million (effective 9%). Short-term capital gains face 12%. Estate tax has a low $2M exemption.
Top Income Tax
5%
Property Tax
1.15%
Sales Tax (Avg)
6.25%
Median Income
$96,505
Other Taxes in Massachusetts
Capital Gains Tax
Short-term: 12%. Long-term: 5%. Plus 4% surtax over $1M.
Property Tax
Average effective rate of 1.15%. On a $300,000 home, this equals approximately $3,450 per year, or $288 per month.
Sales Tax
State rate of 6.25%, with a combined average of 6.25% including local taxes.
Estate & Inheritance Tax
Massachusetts has a state estate tax in addition to the federal estate tax. The exemption may be lower than the federal threshold.
Filing Tips for Massachusetts
Plan for the 4% surtax if income approaches $1M. Hold investments over one year to avoid the 12% short-term rate. The low $2M estate tax exemption affects more families.
- Maximize pre-tax contributions to 401(k) ($23,500 limit in 2026, $31,000 if 50+) to reduce both federal and MA state taxable income.
- Use an HSA if you have a high-deductible health plan. Contributions ($4,300 individual, $8,550 family) are pre-tax and reduce your tax burden.
- Review your W-4. If you regularly get large refunds, adjust your withholding to keep more money in each paycheck throughout the year.
Compare Massachusetts to Nearby States
If you lived in a neighboring state instead, here is how your state tax would change on $96,505 income:
| State | Top Rate | State Tax | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 5% | $4,825 | — |
| New Hampshire | None | $0 | Save $4,825 |
| Rhode Island | 5.99% | $3,348 | Save $1,477 |
| Connecticut | 6.99% | $4,858 | +$33 |
| New York | 10.9% | $4,742 | Save $83 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income tax rate in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has a flat income tax rate of 5%. This means all taxable income is taxed at the same rate regardless of how much you earn. Flat 5% plus 4% surtax over $1M. 12% on short-term gains. Estate tax ($2M exemption).
How much state tax will I pay in Massachusetts on $96,505?
On income of $96,505 filing single in Massachusetts, you would pay approximately $4,825 in state income tax (effective rate of 5.0%). This is after the state standard deduction of $0.
Does Massachusetts tax capital gains?
Short-term: 12%. Long-term: 5%. Plus 4% surtax over $1M.. Capital gains treatment varies by state — some tax them as regular income while others offer exclusions or preferential rates.
How does Massachusetts compare to neighboring states for taxes?
Massachusetts's neighboring states include New Hampshire (no income tax), Rhode Island (5.99% top rate), Connecticut (6.99% top rate). Property tax rates, sales taxes, and cost of living should also be considered when comparing overall tax burden. Use the calculator above to compare your specific tax liability across states.