Taxes in Amherst, Massachusetts
Complete tax guide for Amherst, MA. State income tax up to 5%, 1.23% property tax, 8.35% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
5%
Massachusetts
Property Tax
1.23%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
8.35%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
High
Amherst, MA Tax Overview
Population
39,263
Median Income
$71,700
Cost of Living
136.9 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
5%
Median Home Price
$497,000
Amherst Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Amherst median: $71,700
Total Tax Burden in Amherst
$16,458
Take-Home: $55,242 · Effective Rate: 22.95%
Federal Tax
$7,388
10.30% eff.
MA State
$3,585
5.00% eff.
FICA
$5,485
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$55,242
77.05% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $71,700.00 | $5,975.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$7,388.00 | -$615.67 |
| Massachusetts State Tax | -$3,585.00 | -$298.75 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$4,445.40 | -$370.45 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$1,039.65 | -$86.64 |
| Take-Home Pay | $55,241.95 | $4,603.50 |
Property Tax in Amherst
Median Home
$497,000
Annual Tax
$6,113
Monthly Tax
$509
Effective Rate
1.23%
Sales Tax in Amherst
Combined Rate
8.35%
State Portion
~5.8%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Amherst is 8.35%, which is above the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $8.35 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Amherst | Massachusetts Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 5% | 5% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 1.23% | ~1.23% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 8.35% | ~8.35% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | High | — | Moderate |
Tax Saving Tips for Amherst Residents
- Massachusetts's income tax rate of 5% is competitive. You may still benefit from maximizing 401(k) contributions ($23,500 limit) to reduce your taxable income at both state and federal levels.
- Property tax in Amherst (1.23%) is above the national average. Check if you qualify for homestead exemptions or assessment appeals to reduce your property tax bill.
- The combined sales tax rate of 8.35% is relatively high. Consider making large purchases in lower-tax jurisdictions or online retailers that do not charge local tax rates.
- Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) if eligible. Contributions are tax-deductible ($4,300 individual, $8,550 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
Other Cities in Massachusetts
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HighCalculate Your Full Massachusetts Tax Burden
See detailed state tax brackets, FICA breakdown, and compare to neighboring states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax rates in Amherst, MA?
Amherst, Massachusetts has a state income tax rate up to 5%. The property tax rate is 1.23% and the combined sales tax rate is 8.35%.
How much is property tax in Amherst?
The effective property tax rate in Amherst is 1.23%. On the median home price of $497,000, this equals approximately $6,113 per year or $509 per month. This is above the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Amherst?
The combined sales tax rate in Amherst is 8.35%, which includes both state and local components. This is above the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Amherst's tax burden compare to other cities?
Amherst has a high overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 31.3%. The combination of 5% state income tax, 1.23% property tax, and 8.35% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 136.9 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Amherst?
Amherst does not impose a separate local or city income tax. Residents pay the state income tax of 5%, federal income tax, and FICA (Social Security and Medicare).