Massachusetts Tax Guide 2024

Massachusetts tax: Overview

Massachusetts has a flat personal income tax rate of 5% of federal adjusted gross income. As of last year, 2023, an additional 4% tax (sometimes called the Massachusetts Millionaires Tax, is imposed on income over $1 million. 

Property taxes in the Bay State are relatively high, and the Commonwealth also has an estate tax. However, Massachusetts sales tax is relatively low.

In the News: As Kiplinger reported, lawmakers compromised last year on a widespread Massachusetts tax relief package, which includes tax breaks for residents of all income levels. What some call the largest tax relief package in history would cost the Commonwealth $1 billion when the legislation is fully phased in. 

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Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey says the tax relief would make Massachusetts “more affordable.” 

For more information, see $1 Billion Massachusetts Tax Relief: What's Included?

[Data for this state tax guide was gathered from several sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, the Tax Foundation, the state’s government website, and the Sales Tax Handbook. Property taxes are cited as a rate percentage rather than the assessed value.] 

Massachusetts income tax rate

Massachusetts has a graduated state individual income rate ranging from 5% to 9% of federal adjusted gross income. (Note: Massachusetts voters approved a constitutional amendment to add a 4% tax on taxable income over $1 million. That started in 2023.)

• Social Security: Not taxable
• Pensions: Taxable (Government and public pension plans may be tax-exempt.)
• 401(k) and IRA Distribution: Taxable
• Railroad Retirement benefits are also exempt.

Massachusetts sales tax

Massachusetts has a 6.25% state-level sales tax. There are no local sales taxes.

• Groceries: Exempt
• Clothing: Exempt if sold for $175 or less
• Motor Vehicles: Taxable
• Prescription Drugs: Exempt

How much are property taxes in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, average property taxes are paid about 1.14% of assessed home value, according to the Tax Foundation.

Massachusetts Property Tax Breaks for Retirees

Massachusetts homeowners and renters who are 65 or older may qualify to claim a refundable "circuit breaker" tax credit on their state income taxes to offset real estate taxes or rent paid during the year on their principal home.

Massachusetts gas tax

• Gasoline: 24 cents per gallon
• Diesel: 24 cents per gallon

Massachusetts taxes on alcohol and tobacco

Massachusetts tobacco taxes

Source: The Sales Tax Handbook

Massachusetts alcohol taxes

Alcohol sales are exempt from sales tax in Massachusetts.

Source: The Sales Tax Handbook

Marijuana: 10.75% excise tax; up to 3% local option taxes may also be due. the 6.25% Massachusetts sales tax also applies. 

There is no excise tax on medical marijuana sales in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts estate and inheritance taxes

• Estates valued at more than $2 million may be subject to a Massachusetts estate tax. Tax rates range from 0.8% to 16%. 
• There is an unlimited marital deduction for property left to a surviving spouse and an unlimited charitable deduction for property left to a qualified charity.

More from Kiplinger on Massachusetts

• Could Some Massachusetts 62F Refunds Be Taxed?
• What's in the $1 Billion Massachusetts Tax Relief Bill?
• Massachusetts 'Millionaire's Tax' Helps Fund K-12 School Lunches