Massachusetts operates under a progressive state income tax system that covers both earned and unearned income. This system features a tax rate ranging from 5% to 9%. Income up to $1 million is taxed at a rate of 5%, while any income surpassing this threshold is subject to a higher tax rate of 9%. It is important to mention that no local income tax is imposed by any city in Massachusetts.
If you are an employer or an employee looking to simplify your payroll documentation, using a free paystub generator can help ensure your records accurately reflect these state-specific tax tiers. It is important to mention that no local income tax is imposed by any city in Massachusetts.
The amount of money you receive in your paycheck will be determined by various factors. These include your salary or wages, marital status, pay frequency, and any deductions from your earnings. However, one constant factor, regardless of your location, is the FICA tax withholding. This consists of 6.2% for Social Security taxes and 1.45% for Medicare taxes, which your employer deducts from each paycheck.
Before finalizing your payroll, it is often helpful to view a preview of how these deductions look on paper. Utilizing a pay stub template allows you to see a clear layout of your gross vs. net pay, ensuring all Massachusetts-specific withholdings are accounted for before you generate a final version.
Additionally, if your income is high enough, you may be required to pay a Medicare surcharge. For individuals with a filing status of single, head of household, or qualifying widow(er), earnings exceeding $200,000 are subject to a 0.9% Medicare surtax that your employer does not match.
When residing in Massachusetts and earning an annual gross pay of $86,566.00 in 2026, your net pay, or take-home pay, will amount to $63,920 after accounting for tax deductions of 26.17%, equivalent to $22,646.00. These deductions encompass 13.65% ($11,812.62) for federal income tax, 5.00% ($4,328.30) for state income tax, 6.20% ($5,367.09) for Social Security tax, and 1.45% ($1,255.21) for Medicare.
Important Note: The StubCreator provides a paycheck calculator designed to provide essential guidance. This should not be relied upon to calculate exact taxes, payroll, or other financial data. You should seek a professional accountant regarding any particular requirement.
Taxable Base Wage for Massachusetts is as follows:
| Year | Massachusetts Taxable Base Wage |
| 2026 | $15,000 |
| 2025 | $15,000 |
| 2024 | $15,000 |
| 2023 | $15,000 |
| 2022 | $15,000 |
| 2021 | $15,000 |
According to the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance, companies in Massachusetts will pay an effective unemployment insurance tax rate ranging from 0.94% to 15.599% in 2026, depending on the employer’s experience rating.
| Year | Massachusetts SUTA Rates |
| 2026 | 0.73% – 11.13% |
| 2025 | 0.83% – 15.85% |
| 2024 | 1.023% – 15.599% |
| 2023 | 0.56% – 8.62% |
| 2022 | 0.94% – 14.37% |
| 2021 | 0.56% – 8.62% |
Employers in Massachusetts must contribute to the unemployment insurance system using both federal and state taxes. Under the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA), a standard rate of 6% applies to the first $7,000 paid to each employee in a calendar year.
| Year | Massachusetts FUTA Rates |
| 2026 | 6% |
| 2025 | 6% |
| 2024 | 6% (0.6% effective with full credit) |
| 2023 | 6% (0.6% effective with full credit) |
| 2022 | 6% (0.6% effective with full credit) |
| 2021 | 6% (0.6% effective with full credit) |
For Employees and Employers:
Additional Medicare Tax (Employees only):
| Year | Massachusetts FICA Rates |
| 2026 | 7.65% |
| 2025 | 7.65% |
| 2024 | 7.65% |
| 2023 | 7.65% |
| 2022 | 7.65% |
| 2021 | 7.65% |
Other Taxes
The state individual income tax rate in Massachusetts is progressive, ranging from 5.00% to 9.00%. Massachusetts’s corporate income tax rate is 8%. Additionally, Massachusetts does not impose municipal sales taxes and has a 6.25% state sales tax rate.
Massachusetts Payroll Tax Withholding:
For the 2026 tax year, Massachusetts charges income taxes at a flat rate of 5%, meaning that the tax rate is the same regardless of whether your employee earns $50,000, $100,000, or more.
Below are the details of Massachusetts:
Massachusetts has a flat income tax rate, meaning everyone pays the same percentage of their income as state income tax. The Massachusetts Income Tax rate is applied to your taxable income after federal deductions. Be sure to input your gross income accurately when using a paycheck calculator for Massachusetts.
Massachusetts does not impose local income taxes at the state level. However, it's essential to check for any local taxes or additional obligations imposed by specific municipalities or counties within the state, as they can impact your net pay.
Federal taxes, including Social Security and Medicare (FICA), are applicable to your income in Massachusetts. These deductions are standard across all states and are calculated based on your gross income. Understanding how federal taxes affect your paycheck is important for accurate financial planning.