Massachusetts Tax: Guide to Income, Sales, Property, and Retirement Taxes

image of Massachusetts flag on a pole against a sunset sky — (Image credit: Getty Images)

Navigating the complexities of state taxes can be daunting, but understanding Massachusetts' tax landscape is essential for residents and newcomers alike.

In this guide, we'll explore key components of The Bay State's tax system, from income and sales taxes to property taxes and retirement benefits.

Massachusetts tax: Overview

Massachusetts has a flat personal income tax rate of 5% on your federal adjusted gross income. However, if you're earning more than $1 million, there's an additional 4% tax—often called the "Millionaires Tax."

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When it comes to property taxes, the Bay State isn’t exactly the most affordable, and it also has an estate tax to think about. On the bright side, Massachusetts keeps its sales tax relatively low, which helps balance things out.

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.

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.)

Massachusetts retirement taxes

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 1.04% 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

rendering of a yellow car against a yellow background

Gasoline: $0.24 per gallon
Diesel: $0.24 per gallon

Massachusetts taxes on alcohol and tobacco

Massachusetts tobacco and marijuana taxes

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Product	Tax Amount
Cigarettes and cigars	$3.51 per pack of 20
Other tobacco products	40% of the wholesale price
Medical Marijuana	0.00%
Recreational Marijuana	17% (cannabis sales tax of 6.25% and state excise tax of 10.75%)

Source: The Sales Tax Handbook

Massachusetts alcohol taxes

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Product	Tax Amount
Beer	$0.11 per gallon
Wine	$0.55 per gallon
Liquor	$4.05 per gallon

Alcohol sales are exempt from sales tax in Massachusetts.

Source: The Sales Tax Handbook

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.

Kelley R. Taylor is the senior tax editor at Kiplinger.com, where she breaks down federal and state tax rules and news to help readers navigate their finances with confidence. A corporate attorney and business journalist with more than 20 years of experience, Kelley has helped taxpayers make sense of shifting U.S. tax law and policy from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), to SECURE 2.0, the Inflation Reduction Act, and most recently, the 2025 “Big, Beautiful Bill.” She has covered issues ranging from partnerships, carried interest, compensation and benefits, and tax‑exempt organizations to RMDs, capital gains taxes, and energy tax credits. Her award‑winning work has been featured in numerous national and specialty publications.