Use our Massachusetts Paycheck Calculator to quickly figure out how much you’ll take home after taxes. Just enter your salary, pay frequency, and deductions, and get a detailed breakdown of your gross pay, taxes, and net pay in seconds.
How Your Massachusetts Paycheck is Calculated
Your paycheck amount depends on several factors, including your earnings, tax withholdings, and deductions. The basic formula is:
Gross Pay – (Federal Taxes + State Taxes + Local Taxes + FICA) = Net Pay
Here’s a quick explanation of each component:
- Gross Pay: Your total earnings before taxes and deductions.
- Federal Income Tax: Based on your income, filing status, and federal tax brackets.
- FICA: A combination of Social Security and Medicare taxes paid by both employee and employer.
- State Income Tax: Massachusetts applies a flat income tax rate to most types of income.
- Local Taxes: Some areas may apply local fees or surcharges, though income-based local taxes are rare in Massachusetts.
A Guide to Massachusetts State Payroll Taxes
Massachusetts State Income Tax
Massachusetts uses a flat tax structure. This means everyone pays the same rate on taxable income.
| Taxable Income (2025) | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| All income levels | 5.00% |
In addition to the flat tax rate, the state allows certain deductions and exemptions that reduce taxable income:
- Standard Deduction: None (Massachusetts uses personal exemptions instead).
- Personal Exemption: 4,400 dollars for single filers and 8,800 dollars for married couples filing jointly.
- Other Deductions: Available for student loan interest, rent payments, and contributions to state 529 plans.
State-Specific Programs and Withholdings
Massachusetts requires employee contributions to certain state-managed programs, including:
- Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML): Employees contribute approximately 0.18 percent of wages, while employers cover an additional share.
- State Unemployment Insurance (SUI): Paid by employers only; employees do not contribute.
- There is no separate state disability insurance (SDI) deduction.
These programs help protect workers during family leave, illness, or job loss.
Understanding Federal and FICA Taxes
Federal taxes apply to all employees across the United States and form a significant part of your paycheck deductions.
- Social Security Tax: 6.2 percent of wages, up to 168,600 dollars in 2025.
- Medicare Tax: 1.45 percent of all wages. An additional 0.9 percent applies to income over 200,000 dollars for single filers.
Employers match these FICA contributions, meaning both employee and employer pay the same rates.
Local Taxes in Massachusetts
Massachusetts does not impose local income taxes at the city or county level. Whether you live in Boston, Cambridge, Lowell, or Worcester, your paycheck will include the same state income tax rate. While some municipalities have local property or sales taxes, these do not affect your paycheck or withholdings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Massachusetts Paychecks
What is the minimum wage in Massachusetts?
The minimum wage in Massachusetts for 2025 is 15 dollars per hour. Tipped employees must earn at least 6 dollars and 75 cents per hour in direct wages, provided their total pay (wages plus tips) equals or exceeds the regular minimum wage.
How often are paydays in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts law requires most employers to pay employees weekly or bi-weekly. Certain salaried employees, such as executives or professionals, can be paid semi-monthly or monthly.
What is the Massachusetts state tax rate for 2025?
For 2025, Massachusetts levies a flat income tax rate of 5 percent on most forms of taxable income, including wages, salaries, and investment income.
Are 1099 contractors subject to Massachusetts taxes?
Yes. Independent contractors must pay their own state income tax and self-employment tax, which covers both employee and employer portions of Social Security and Medicare.
What are the overtime laws in Massachusetts?
Most employees earn overtime pay at one and a half times their regular hourly rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a week. Some jobs and industries are exempt based on federal and state labor regulations.
Disclaimer
This Massachusetts Paycheck Calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual take-home pay may vary based on individual circumstances, such as tax credits, benefits, or voluntary deductions. Consult a tax professional or financial advisor for personalized advice.