Massachusetts Paycheck Calculator

Calculate your Massachusetts take-home pay with accurate state tax rates. Includes the 5% flat tax and 4% millionaires tax on income over $1 million.

📊 5% State Tax (9% over $1M)

Calculate Your Massachusetts Take-Home Pay

Enter your salary details to see your take-home pay with Massachusetts state taxes.

💡 About Massachusetts Taxes: Massachusetts has a 5% flat tax on most income. High earners (over $1 million annually) pay an additional 4% surtax, making their effective rate 9%.

Your Take-Home Pay

$0

Per paycheck

⚠️ Millionaires Tax Applied

Your income exceeds $1,000,000, so you pay the additional 4% surtax (total 9% state tax). This affects approximately 0.6% of Massachusetts taxpayers.

Gross Pay
$0
Federal Tax
$0
MA State Tax
$0
FICA (SS + Medicare)
$0

Detailed Breakdown

Gross Annual Salary $0
Federal Income Tax $0
Massachusetts State Tax (5%) $0
Social Security (6.2%) $0
Medicare (1.45%) $0
Annual Take-Home $0
Effective Tax Rate 0%

Understanding Massachusetts Income Tax

Massachusetts has one of the simplest state income tax systems in the country: a flat 5% rate that has remained stable for decades. However, in 2023, voters approved the "Fair Share Amendment" which added a 4% surtax on income exceeding $1 million, bringing the top rate to 9% for the state's highest earners.

The 5% Flat Tax

Most Massachusetts taxpayers pay a straightforward 5% state income tax on their wages, salaries, and most other income. This rate has been in place since 2002 and provides simplicity and predictability. Unlike progressive tax states where your rate increases as you earn more, everyone in Massachusetts pays the same 5% rate on their taxable income (up to $1 million).

What's taxed at 5%:

What's NOT taxed: Social Security benefits are generally not taxed by Massachusetts for most retirees (subject to income limits). This makes Massachusetts relatively retirement-friendly compared to states that tax Social Security.

The Millionaires Tax (Fair Share Amendment)

Starting in 2023, Massachusetts implemented a 4% surtax on annual income exceeding $1 million. This applies to both earned income (wages) and unearned income (capital gains, dividends). If you earn $1.5 million, you pay 5% on the first $1 million ($50,000) and 9% on the remaining $500,000 ($45,000), for a total of $95,000 in state tax.

Key facts about the millionaires tax:

Planning tip for high earners: If you have a one-time windfall (selling a business, exercising stock options, selling property), you could trigger the 9% rate even if your regular income is much lower. Consider spreading income across multiple years if possible.

Massachusetts Tax Credits and Deductions

While Massachusetts has a flat tax rate, it offers various credits and deductions that can reduce your tax burden:

Personal Exemptions (Rare Feature): Unlike most states, Massachusetts still has personal exemptions:

These reduce your taxable income, not your tax directly.

Dependent Care Tax Credit: Massachusetts allows 100% of the federal dependent care credit, one of the most generous in the nation. If you claim $3,000 in federal dependent care credit (30% of $10,000 in expenses), you can claim the full $3,000 on your Massachusetts return.

Child Tax Credit: Massachusetts offers $440 per dependent child - the highest flat credit amount in the United States. This is a direct credit that reduces your tax dollar-for-dollar. For a family with three children, that's $1,320 in tax savings.

Senior Circuit Breaker Credit: Seniors (65+) with income under $64,000 (2024) can claim a credit for property taxes paid, up to $1,290. This makes Massachusetts more affordable for retirees on fixed incomes.

Massachusetts Paycheck Breakdown

Federal Income Tax

Massachusetts taxpayers pay the same federal income tax as everyone else in the U.S. The federal system is progressive, with rates from 10% to 37% depending on income.

2024 Federal Tax Brackets (Single):

Remember, these are marginal rates. A person earning $75,000 doesn't pay 22% on all their income - they pay 10% on the first $11,600, 12% on income from $11,601 to $47,150, and 22% only on income from $47,151 to $75,000.

FICA Taxes

Social Security: 6.2% of wages up to $168,600 (2024 limit). If you earn $200,000, you pay 6.2% on the first $168,600 ($10,453) and nothing on the remaining $31,400. Maximum Social Security tax: $10,453 annually.

Medicare: 1.45% on all wages with no income cap. High earners pay an additional 0.9% on wages exceeding $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married), totaling 2.35% above these thresholds.

Unlike income taxes, FICA taxes are the same in every state.

Take-Home Pay Examples

Example 1: $75,000 Salary (Single)

Example 2: $150,000 Salary (Single)

Example 3: $1,500,000 Salary (Millionaires Tax Applies)

Massachusetts vs. Other States

Massachusetts vs. New Hampshire

Many people work in Massachusetts but live in New Hampshire (which has no income tax on wages). However, Massachusetts has a reciprocal agreement: if you live in NH but work in MA, you still pay MA income tax. The only way to avoid MA tax is to both live AND work in NH.

Living situation tax comparison ($100,000 salary):

Massachusetts vs. Connecticut

Connecticut has a progressive income tax from 3% to 6.99%. For most middle and high earners, Massachusetts' flat 5% is competitive or better:

Massachusetts becomes less competitive only for millionaires due to the 9% rate, while Connecticut stays at 6.99%.

Massachusetts vs. New York

New York has both state (up to 10.9%) and NYC local taxes (up to 3.876%), making it one of the highest-tax locations in America. Massachusetts is significantly more tax-friendly:

For high earners not subject to the millionaires tax, Massachusetts offers substantial savings over New York.

Massachusetts vs. Florida/Texas (No Income Tax)

Florida and Texas have no state income tax, offering significant savings for high earners:

However, Massachusetts offers other advantages: stronger education system, healthcare innovation, biotech jobs, cultural amenities, and four seasons. The "quality of life tax" is real, and many professionals accept the 5% state tax for Massachusetts' unique benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Massachusetts a high-tax state?

Moderate. The 5% flat tax is competitive with many states and lower than progressive tax states like California (13.3%), New York (10.9%), and even neighbors like Connecticut (6.99% top rate). However, Massachusetts has high property taxes, which significantly impacts homeowners. Overall tax burden (income + property + sales) ranks Massachusetts around #23 nationally - middle of the pack.

Who pays the millionaires tax?

Approximately 21,000 Massachusetts taxpayers (about 0.6% of all filers) earn over $1 million and pay the 9% rate. This includes high-earning professionals (doctors, lawyers, executives), entrepreneurs selling businesses, and people with large investment gains. The tax affects both earned income (salaries) and capital gains.

Can I avoid the millionaires tax by moving?

Yes, if you establish legal residency in another state before realizing the income. Many wealthy individuals move to Florida, New Hampshire, or Texas (no income tax states) before selling businesses or exercising large stock option grants. However, Massachusetts aggressively audits residency changes, so proper documentation is essential. Simply renting an apartment in Florida isn't enough - you need to spend more than 183 days there, get a FL driver's license, register to vote there, etc.

Does Massachusetts tax Social Security?

Generally no. Massachusetts exempts Social Security benefits for most retirees. There are some income phase-outs for very high earners, but the vast majority of retirees pay $0 Massachusetts tax on Social Security. This makes Massachusetts relatively retirement-friendly compared to states like Colorado, Connecticut, and others that do tax Social Security.

Does Massachusetts tax pension income?

Yes. Unlike Social Security, pension income is fully taxable at the 5% rate (or 9% if total income exceeds $1 million). This includes both government and private pensions. However, Massachusetts offers a $1,000 deduction for pension income if you're over 65 or disabled.

What is Massachusetts' personal exemption?

Massachusetts is one of few states still offering personal exemptions: $4,400 for single filers, $8,800 for married couples, and $1,000 per dependent. These reduce your taxable income. Example: if you earn $100,000 and file single, you only pay tax on $95,600 ($100,000 - $4,400), saving you $220 in state tax.

How does the child tax credit work?

Massachusetts offers $440 per dependent child - the highest flat credit in the nation. This is a direct credit that reduces your tax dollar-for-dollar. If you have two children and owe $5,000 in state tax, the credit reduces it to $4,120. This credit is available regardless of income (unlike the federal child tax credit which phases out).

Can I deduct property taxes on my Massachusetts return?

No. Massachusetts does not allow itemized deductions like mortgage interest or property taxes. You simply pay the flat 5% on your income after the personal exemption. This keeps tax filing simple but means high property tax payers don't get state-level relief (though they can deduct up to $10,000 on federal returns if itemizing).

How do bonuses get taxed?

For federal purposes, bonuses are typically withheld at 22% (or 37% if the bonus exceeds $1 million). For Massachusetts, bonuses are taxed the same as regular income - 5% for most people, 9% if your total annual income exceeds $1 million. Your employer should withhold MA tax on bonuses at the same rate as regular pay.

Is this calculator accurate?

Very accurate for the inputs provided. We use official 2024 federal tax brackets, FICA rates, and Massachusetts tax rates. The calculator doesn't account for specific deductions (personal exemptions, dependent credits) that would lower your actual tax - so your real take-home might be slightly higher. For a precise calculation including all credits and deductions, consult a tax professional or use tax preparation software.