Taxes in Worcester, Massachusetts
Complete tax guide for Worcester, MA. State income tax up to 5%, 1.43% property tax, 6.25% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
5%
Massachusetts
Property Tax
1.43%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
6.25%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
High
Worcester, MA Tax Overview
More affordable than Boston
Population
206,518
Median Income
$55,283
Cost of Living
106.8 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
5%
Median Home Price
$340,000
Worcester Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Worcester median: $55,283
Total Tax Burden in Worcester
$11,589
Take-Home: $43,694 · Effective Rate: 20.96%
Federal Tax
$4,595
8.31% eff.
MA State
$2,764
5.00% eff.
FICA
$4,229
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$43,694
79.04% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $55,283.00 | $4,606.92 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$4,595.46 | -$382.96 |
| Massachusetts State Tax | -$2,764.15 | -$230.35 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$3,427.55 | -$285.63 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$801.60 | -$66.80 |
| Take-Home Pay | $43,694.24 | $3,641.19 |
Property Tax in Worcester
Median Home
$340,000
Annual Tax
$4,862
Monthly Tax
$405
Effective Rate
1.43%
Sales Tax in Worcester
Combined Rate
6.25%
State Portion
~3.8%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Worcester 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 | Worcester | Massachusetts Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 5% | 5% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 1.43% | ~1.43% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 6.25% | ~6.25% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | High | — | Moderate |
Tax Saving Tips for Worcester 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 Worcester (1.43%) is above the national average. Check if you qualify for homestead exemptions or assessment appeals to reduce your property tax bill.
- 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
Boston
Very HighSpringfield
ModerateCambridge
Very HighLowell
HighBrockton
HighNew Bedford
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 Worcester, MA?
Worcester, Massachusetts has a state income tax rate up to 5%. The property tax rate is 1.43% and the combined sales tax rate is 6.25%. More affordable than Boston
How much is property tax in Worcester?
The effective property tax rate in Worcester is 1.43%. On the median home price of $340,000, this equals approximately $4,862 per year or $405 per month. This is above the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Worcester?
The combined sales tax rate in Worcester is 6.25%, which includes both state and local components. This is below the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Worcester's tax burden compare to other cities?
Worcester has a high overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 31%. The combination of 5% state income tax, 1.43% property tax, and 6.25% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 106.8 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Worcester?
Worcester 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). More affordable than Boston