Taxes in Boston, Massachusetts
Complete tax guide for Boston, MA. State income tax up to 5%, 1.04% property tax, 6.25% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
5%
Massachusetts
Property Tax
1.04%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
6.25%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
Very High
Boston, MA Tax Overview
High cost of living; flat 5% state income tax plus 4% surtax on income over $1M
Population
675,647
Median Income
$76,298
Cost of Living
152.5 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
5%
Median Home Price
$685,000
Boston Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Boston median: $76,298
Total Tax Burden in Boston
$18,051
Take-Home: $58,247 · Effective Rate: 23.66%
Federal Tax
$8,400
11.01% eff.
MA State
$3,815
5.00% eff.
FICA
$5,837
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$58,247
76.34% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $76,298.00 | $6,358.17 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,399.56 | -$699.96 |
| Massachusetts State Tax | -$3,814.90 | -$317.91 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$4,730.48 | -$394.21 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$1,106.32 | -$92.19 |
| Take-Home Pay | $58,246.74 | $4,853.90 |
Property Tax in Boston
Median Home
$685,000
Annual Tax
$7,124
Monthly Tax
$594
Effective Rate
1.04%
Sales Tax in Boston
Combined Rate
6.25%
State Portion
~3.8%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Boston is 6.25%, which is below the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $6.25 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Boston | Massachusetts Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 5% | 5% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 1.04% | ~1.04% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 6.25% | ~6.25% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | Very High | — | Moderate |
Tax Saving Tips for Boston 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 Boston (1.04%) is below the national average of 1.1%. This makes homeownership more affordable here relative to property tax burden.
- 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 Boston, MA?
Boston, Massachusetts has a state income tax rate up to 5%. The property tax rate is 1.04% and the combined sales tax rate is 6.25%. High cost of living; flat 5% state income tax plus 4% surtax on income over $1M
How much is property tax in Boston?
The effective property tax rate in Boston is 1.04%. On the median home price of $685,000, this equals approximately $7,124 per year or $594 per month. This is below the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Boston?
The combined sales tax rate in Boston is 6.25%, which includes both state and local components. This is below the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Boston's tax burden compare to other cities?
Boston has a very high overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 33.5%. The combination of 5% state income tax, 1.04% property tax, and 6.25% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 152.5 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Boston?
Boston 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). High cost of living; flat 5% state income tax plus 4% surtax on income over $1M