Massachusetts Income Tax Calculator 2026
See your Massachusetts state tax, effective rate, and take-home pay in 60 seconds.
Estimate only. Uses 2026 federal figures, Massachusettsstate figures (see sources below), and a standard-deduction federal calculation. Filing status “Head of household” uses the single column for Massachusetts. Your actual tax depends on credits, additional income, and adjustments.
Worked example: A single filer earning $85,000 in Massachusetts
Start with $85,000 of wages. Massachusetts applies its flat 5% rate, which comes to about $4,250 in state income tax — an effective state rate near 5%. Federal income tax and FICA are calculated separately and shown in the calculator above.
Assumes a single filer taking the standard treatment. Figures are educational estimates.
How Massachusetts taxes income
Massachusetts is a flat-tax state: all taxable income is taxed at the same 5% rate, regardless of how much you earn. There are no brackets to climb.
Massachusetts generally starts from your federal income, applies state-specific adjustments, and then applies the flat 5% rate. Deductions, exemptions, and credits can change the final number — confirm the current details with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
2026 rate structure
Retirement income & Social Security
Massachusetts generally taxes retirement income such as 401(k), IRA, and pension distributions, though it may offer exclusions, deductions, or credits for certain pension or retirement income and for older taxpayers. Confirm the current exclusions with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
Local taxes & reciprocity
Massachusetts has no local or city income tax — only the state income tax applies to wages.
Reciprocity: Massachusetts has no income tax reciprocity agreements. If you work across state lines, you generally file a non-resident return where you work and claim a credit to avoid double taxation.
Notable deductions, credits & other taxes
Deductions & credits
- Massachusetts standard deduction and personal exemptions (verify current amounts with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue)
- Credit for income taxes paid to other states (for residents with out-of-state income)
- State versions of common credits — earned income, child/dependent care, and education credits — where offered
Capital gains: Massachusetts has no separate capital gains rate. Capital gains included in your federal AGI are taxed as ordinary income at the flat 5% rate.
Property tax: Property taxes in Massachusetts are assessed and collected locally, so effective rates vary widely by county and municipality. Check your county assessor or the Massachusetts Department of Revenue for local rates.
Massachusetts vs. neighboring states
Compared with its neighbors — Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island — Massachusetts's flat 5% sit within the regional range. Effective rates depend heavily on income level, deductions, and local taxes. Note that New Hampshire has no income tax at all, which can matter for people living or working near the border.
Massachusetts state tax FAQs
What is the Massachusetts state income tax rate for 2026?
Massachusetts levies a flat 5% income tax that applies to all taxable income, with no graduated brackets.
Does Massachusetts tax retirement income or Social Security?
Social Security benefits are exempt from Massachusetts income tax. For other retirement income, Massachusetts generally taxes 401(k), IRA, and pension distributions, though exclusions may apply. Verify with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
How are capital gains taxed in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has no separate capital gains rate. Capital gains included in your federal AGI are taxed as ordinary income at the flat 5% rate.
Is there a local or city income tax in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has no local or city income tax — only the state income tax applies to wages.
Does Massachusetts have tax reciprocity with neighboring states?
Massachusetts has no income tax reciprocity agreements. If you work across state lines, you generally file a non-resident return where you work and claim a credit to avoid being taxed twice.
Sources & verification
Last verified June 12, 2026.