Massachusetts Paycheck Calculator

Calculate your take-home pay per paycheck for salary and hourly jobs after federal & Massachusetts taxes

Updated for 2024 tax year on Jul 06, 2024

What was updated? Fixed calculation error with federal and state payroll taxes

Calculation not correct? Request new features?

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How to calculate your Massachusetts paycheck

Overview of Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a population of under 7 million (2019). It is renowned for its many colleges and universities, including Harvard University, the first institution of higher learning in the USA.

Brief summary:

  • the income tax is a flat rate of 5%
  • no local income tax
  • subject to Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) payroll tax
  • able to claim state-level exemptions
Massachusetts United States

Understanding your Massachusetts paycheck

Embarking on a new job in Massachusetts is exciting, but understanding your paycheck can be daunting. This guide aims to demystify the process, shedding light on various components, including the W-4 form, pre-tax and post-tax deductions, and more. With a blend of simple and complex sentences, let’s explore the ins and outs of your Massachusetts paycheck.

Upon receiving your paycheck, you’ll first notice your gross pay—the earnings you’ve made before any deductions. However, several components will reduce this amount, resulting in your net pay. Let’s delve into these aspects and discover where your hard-earned money goes.

At the start of your new job, your employer will request that you complete a W-4 form. This crucial document assists in determining the appropriate federal income tax withheld from your paycheck. By providing details about your filing status, income, dependents, and additional income or deductions, you’ll ensure the proper amount of tax is withheld.

Massachusetts, much like other states, imposes its income tax. As a progressive tax system, the rate increases as your income grows. Remember that you’ll only pay a higher tax rate on income exceeding specific thresholds. Consequently, higher earners contribute more to the state’s tax revenue.

Besides income tax, you are also required to pay FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare). By funding essential social programs, these deductions benefit both current and future generations. Notably, employees and employers share the responsibility of contributing to these programs.

In addition to taxes, various deductions may apply to your paycheck. Pre-tax deductions, such as contributions to retirement plans and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), reduce your taxable income. Consequently, you may save on taxes while investing in your future.

Post-tax deductions, on the other hand, occur after calculating your taxable income. These deductions can include union dues, charitable donations, and wage garnishments. Each situation is unique, so you must stay informed about the specific deductions that apply to you.

After accounting for all deductions, you’ll ultimately receive your net pay—the amount deposited into your bank account. Regularly reviewing your pay stubs ensures the accuracy of deductions and helps you grasp the impact of financial decisions on your take-home pay.

To optimize your tax situation, consider contributing to tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k) plans and HSAs. These pre-tax contributions lower your taxable income, potentially saving on taxes and bolstering your financial future.

Calculate your Massachusetts paycheck

Calculating your Massachusetts state income tax is similar to the steps we listed on our main paycheck calculator page:

  1. Determine your gross income
    • Annual salary
      Annual salary = Gross income
    • Hourly wage
      Hourly wage × Hours worked per day × Days worked per week × Weeks worked per year = Your weekly paycheck
  2. Work out your total federal income tax
    1. Gross income adjusted
      Gross income − Pre-tax deductions = Gross income adjusted
    2. Federal taxable income
      Gross income adjusted − Federal standard/itemized deductions = Federal taxable income
    3. Federal income tax liability
      Federal taxable income × Federal income tax rate = Federal income tax liability
    4. Federal payroll tax liability
      Gross income × Federal payroll tax rate = Federal payroll tax liability
  3. Calculate your total Massachusetts state income tax
    1. Massachusetts state taxable income
      Gross income adjusted − (Massachusetts state itemized deductions + Massachusetts state exemptions) = Massachusetts state taxable income
    2. Massachusetts state income tax liability
      Massachusetts state taxable income × Massachusetts state income tax rate = Massachusetts state income tax liability
    3. Massachusetts state payroll tax liability
      Gross income × Massachusetts state payroll tax rate = Massachusetts state payroll tax liability
  4. Figure out your net pay
    You need to account for any other deductions such as health insurance, 401(k) contribution, as well as additional withholdings.
    Gross income − (Total income tax liability + Total payroll tax liability + Total pre-tax deductions + Total post-tax deductions + Total withholdings) = Your net pay
  5. Divide your net pay by your pay frequency
    • Daily
      Your net pay / Days worked per week / Weeks worked per year = Your daily paycheck
    • Weekly
      Your net pay / 52 = Your weekly paycheck
    • Bi-weekly
      Your net pay / 26 = Your bi-weekly paycheck
    • Semi-monthly
      Your net pay / 24 = Your semi-monthly paycheck
    • Monthly
      Your net pay / 12 = Your monthly paycheck
    • Quarterly
      Your net pay / 4 = Your quarterly paycheck
    • Semi-annual
      Your net pay / 2 = Your semi-annual paycheck
    • Annual
      Your net pay = Your annual paycheck

State payroll tax

Tax year Tax name Percent of taxable wage Up to taxable wage Comment
2024 Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) 0.88% $168,600 If employer of 25 or more employees, 40% of medical insurance portion.
Otherwise employee pays 100%.
2023 0.63% $160,200 If employer of 25 or more employees, 40% of medical insurance portion.
Otherwise employee pays 100%.
2022 0.68% $147,000 If employer of 25 or more employees, 40% of medical insurance portion.
Otherwise employee pays 100%.
2021 0.75% $142,800 If employer of 25 or more employees, 40% of medical insurance portion.
Otherwise employee pays 100%.
2020 0.75% $137,700 If employer of 25 or more employees, 40% of medical insurance portion.
Otherwise employee pays 100%.

State income tax brackets

Refer to Tax Foundation for more details.

Tax year Filing status Taxable income Rate
2024
2023
Single
Married, Filing Jointly or Widow(er)
Married, Filing Separately
Head of Household
$0 - $1,000,000 5%
$1,000,000+ 5% + 4% surtax
2022
2021
2020
Single
Married, Filing Jointly or Widow(er)
Married, Filing Separately
Head of Household
Any 5%

State exemptions

There are state-level exemptions for all types of filers and dependents. All exemptions are in the form of tax credits. Refer to Tax Foundation for more details.

Tax year Filing status Personal exemption amount
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
Single
Married, Filing Separately
Head of Household
$4,400
Married, Filing Jointly or Widow(er) $8,800
Dependent(s) $1,000

FAQs

How to calculate take home pay in Massachusetts?

Follow the procedures below to obtain your take-home income:

  1. Determine your gross income
  2. Work out your total federal income tax
  3. Calculate your total Massachusetts state income tax
  4. Gross income minus taxes, deductions and withholdings
  5. Divide your net pay by your pay frequency

How much will Massachusetts tax paychecks in 2024?

For the 2024 tax year, Massachusetts imposes a flat rate of 5%. There is an additional 4% surtax for earnings over $1,000,000. In addition, every paycheck will be subject to a Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) payroll tax.

How much is taken out of my paycheck in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, several types of taxes and contributions are deducted from your paycheck. Federal income tax (10% to 37%), state income tax (5%), Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) will be taken out of your paycheck. If you have additional benefits or withholdings, they will be deducted too.

What percentage of my paycheck goes to taxes in Massachusetts?

The taxes on your paycheck include

  • federal income tax (10% to 37%)
  • state income tax (5%)
  • Social Security (6.2%)
  • Medicare (1.45% to 2.35%)
  • Paid Family and Medical Leave (0.88%)
Typically, these combined taxes account for around 20% to 35% of your gross paycheck. The exact amount can vary depending on your income level and other personal tax factors.