Massachusetts Tax Burden
Massachusetts ranks #6 nationally for total tax burden with a combined rate of 12.70%.
Compare with Neighboring States
Is Massachusetts a High-Tax State?
Yes — Massachusetts ranks #6 nationally for total tax burden at 12.70%, placing it among the 10 highest-taxed states in America. The state income tax rate of 5.000% is among the higher rates nationally, significantly impacting residents' take-home pay.
Property taxes are a major factor here — at 1.15% effective rate, homeowners in Massachusetts pay significantly more than the national median of ~1.1%. On a $300,000 home, that's approximately $345,000/year in property taxes alone. With a median household income of $89,486, the average Massachusetts resident pays approximately $11,365 per year across all state and local taxes.
Tax Planning Tips for Massachusetts Residents
High income tax state: At 5.000%, Massachusetts's income tax takes a significant bite. Consider maximizing pre-tax retirement contributions (401k, IRA, HSA) to reduce your state tax bill. If you're nearing retirement, evaluate whether relocating to a no-income-tax state could save you significantly on withdrawals.
Property tax protest: With an effective rate of 1.15%, property tax appeals are worth pursuing in Massachusetts. Homeowners who formally protest their assessed value often achieve reductions of 5–15%. On a $300,000 home, that's a potential savings of $34,500/year. Check your county assessor's deadline — most states allow annual appeals.
High sales tax (6.25%): For major purchases — vehicles, appliances, furniture — calculate whether buying across state lines (if near a border) saves meaningful money. A $30,000 car purchase costs an extra $187,500 in sales tax in Massachusetts.
For retirees: At 5.000% income tax, all retirement withdrawals are potentially taxable. Check whether Massachusetts offers any exemptions for Social Security or pension income — many states do.
All 14 Counties in Massachusetts
| Rank | County | Property Tax | Income Tax | Sales Tax | Total Burden | Nat'l Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Essex County | 1.14% | 5.000% | 6.25% | 13.52% | #103 |
| 2 | Franklin County | 1.57% | 5.000% | 6.25% | 13.41% | #110 |
| 3 | Hampden County | 1.62% | 5.000% | 6.25% | 13.33% | #118 |
| 4 | Hampshire County | 1.45% | 5.000% | 6.25% | 13.00% | #144 |
| 5 | Plymouth County | 1.30% | 5.000% | 6.25% | 12.91% | #149 |
| 6 | Middlesex County | 1.08% | 5.000% | 6.25% | 12.86% | #154 |
| 7 | Norfolk County | 1.12% | 5.000% | 6.25% | 12.73% | #167 |
| 8 | Bristol County | 1.17% | 5.000% | 6.25% | 12.67% | #175 |
| 9 | Worcester County | 1.36% | 5.000% | 6.25% | 12.62% | #179 |
| 10 | Berkshire County | 1.40% | 5.000% | 6.25% | 12.40% | #198 |
| 11 | Dukes County | 0.50% | 5.000% | 6.25% | 12.39% | #201 |
| 12 | Suffolk County | 0.67% | 5.000% | 6.25% | 12.01% | #256 |
| 13 | Barnstable County | 0.76% | 5.000% | 6.25% | 11.41% | #364 |
| 14 | Nantucket County | 0.28% | 5.000% | 6.25% | 9.68% | #1104 |
Massachusetts Tax Burden Summary
Massachusetts ranks #6 for total tax burden in the United States with a combined effective rate of 12.70%. Residents earning $100,000 pay approximately $12,700 in total state and local taxes — including $345,000 in property tax on a $300,000 home, $500,000 in state income tax, and an estimated $250,000 in sales tax on $40,000 of taxable spending.
With a median household income of $89,486 and a population of 6,984,205, Massachusetts has 14 counties with tax burdens ranging from 9.68% to 13.52%. As one of the higher-taxed states, Massachusetts residents should carefully evaluate county-level differences — choosing the right county can save thousands per year.