Massachusetts Paycheck Calculator

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

Updated for 2025 tax year on Feb 14, 2025

Calculate your paycheck in these states

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

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

State income tax brackets

Refer to Tax Foundation for more details.

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.

FAQs