Skip to main content

Massachusetts Paycheck Guide

Massachusetts uses a flat state income tax. Everyone pays the same percentage on taxable wages, regardless of income.

PI
Reviewed by PayslipIQ Editorial Team, in-house payroll editor
Last reviewed May 2026 · Editorial standards on methodology

PayslipIQ provides educational information and estimated calculations only. It does not provide tax, legal, financial, accounting, employment, benefits, or payroll advice. PayslipIQ is not a CPA firm, law firm, financial advisor, payroll provider, or tax authority. Always verify your paycheck, deductions, withholdings, and tax position with your employer's payroll department, a qualified CPA, the IRS, your state tax authority, or another appropriately qualified professional. Calculations are estimates; your actual paycheck may differ based on factors specific to your employer, location, benefits elections, and personal tax situation.

Massachusetts: the local picture

Massachusetts runs a 5% flat state income tax PLUS a 4% surtax on income over $1M (the Millionaires Tax, Question 1, effective 2023). MA PFML is funded by both employer and employee. No local income tax.

Massachusetts Paycheck Calculator

Estimate take-home pay for Massachusetts.

Massachusetts State Tax

Massachusetts tax structure and rates.

Massachusetts Overtime

Federal FLSA applies.

Massachusetts Pay Stub Laws

Employer pay stub requirements in Massachusetts.

How a Massachusetts paycheck is built

Every Massachusetts worker pays federal income tax, calculated on the W-4 you submitted to your employer using the IRS Publication 15-T tables. Federal income tax is followed by FICA: 6.2 percent Social Security up to the annual wage base, plus 1.45 percent Medicare on every dollar. The 0.9 percent Additional Medicare Tax applies once year-to-date wages cross $200,000 single or $250,000 married filing jointly.

Massachusetts adds a flat state income tax of approximately 5.00 percent. Verify the current rate with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.

Paid Family Leave: Massachusetts has a Paid Family Leave program with employee-paid premiums.

What changed recently in Massachusetts

  • Millionaires Tax (4% on income over $1M) effective 2023.
  • PFML premium adjusted annually.
  • Standard deduction tied to federal.

Massachusetts payroll quirks workers should know

  • PFML deduction line on every Massachusetts paycheck.
  • Million-dollar surtax not withheld through payroll. Settled at filing for those affected.
  • No local income tax in any Massachusetts city.

Example breakdown

A hypothetical Massachusetts worker on a $65,000 annual salary, paid bi-weekly, single filer, no extra adjustments. Educational only, your real paycheck differs.

Gross (bi-weekly)$2500.00
Federal income tax-$250.00
Social Security (6.2%)-$155.00
Medicare (1.45%)-$36.25
Massachusetts state tax-$125.00
Estimated take-home$1933.75

Run your own numbers in the Massachusetts paycheck calculator.

Authoritative sources

Frequently asked questions

Does Massachusetts have state income tax?
Yes. Massachusetts uses a flat state income tax rate. Verify the current rate with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
Are there local income taxes in Massachusetts?
No. Massachusetts does not have local income taxes on wages.
Does Massachusetts have State Disability Insurance or Paid Family Leave premiums?
Massachusetts has a Paid Family Leave program with employee-paid premiums.
Does Massachusetts have daily-overtime rules?
No. Massachusetts follows federal FLSA: 1.5x for hours above 40 in a workweek.
What is FICA on a Massachusetts paycheck?
FICA is federal: 6.2 percent Social Security up to the annual wage base, plus 1.45 percent Medicare on every dollar. The 0.9 percent Additional Medicare Tax applies above $200,000 single or $250,000 married filing jointly. FICA applies in every state.
Where do I verify Massachusetts state tax withholding?
The Massachusetts Department of Revenue (https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-revenue) is the authoritative source. For your specific paycheck, contact your employer's payroll team or a CPA.
Why does my high-bonus paycheck not withhold the 4% surtax?
Massachusetts withholds at the 5% standard rate. The 4% Millionaires Tax surtax is settled at filing. If your annual income will exceed $1M, expect to owe at filing or make estimated payments.
What is the PFML line on my Massachusetts paycheck?
Paid Family and Medical Leave premium. Roughly 0.34% of taxable wages (2025), split between employer and employee for medium-large employers, employee-only for small employers.