How Massachusetts paychecks work (2026)
In Massachusetts, your take-home pay is your salary minus federal income tax, FICA (Social Security 6.2% + Medicare 1.45%) and Massachusetts state income tax. This calculator uses the official 2026 rates for a single filer.
Massachusetts state income tax
Massachusetts has a flat state income tax of 5.0%, after a $4,400 personal exemption (single). A 4% surtax applies only to income over about $1.08m, so it doesn't affect typical paychecks.
Example: $80,000 in Massachusetts
Federal tax is about $8,770, FICA $6,120, and Massachusetts state tax $3,780 (5% above the $4,400 exemption) — leaving a take-home of roughly $61,330 a year.
Massachusetts take-home pay by salary (2026)
Estimated annual take-home for a single filer after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare and Massachusetts state income tax, using the 2026 rates. Figures are tax liability, not withholding.
| Gross salary | Take-home / year | Per month | % kept |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $32,540 | $2,712 | 81.3% |
| $60,000 | $47,610 | $3,968 | 79.3% |
| $80,000 | $61,330 | $5,111 | 76.7% |
| $100,000 | $74,400 | $6,200 | 74.4% |
| $150,000 | $106,511 | $8,876 | 71.0% |
What often catches people out in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts' flat 5% is joined by a 4% 'millionaire surtax' — but that only applies to income over ~$1.08M, so it doesn't touch typical paychecks.
- A $4,400 personal exemption (single) reduces taxable income before the flat rate.
- No local city income tax applies in Massachusetts.
What this calculator does not include
- Local/city taxes (none), 401(k) and pre-tax deductions, and filing statuses other than single.
- It shows tax liability, which can differ from paycheck withholding (employers often over-withhold).
Does Massachusetts tax my income?
Yes — Massachusetts taxes income at a flat 5.0%, with an extra 4% only on income above about $1.08m.
What's FICA?
Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) payroll taxes, deducted in every state including Massachusetts.
More United States calculators
This calculator provides estimates for a single filer in Massachusetts for 2026 based on IRS and state figures and is for general information only — it is not financial or tax advice. It excludes local taxes, 401(k) and other deductions, and shows tax liability rather than withholding. Sources: IRS (Rev. Proc. 2025-32), Massachusetts Department of Revenue.