How Massachusetts Sales Tax Works
Massachusetts's state government imposes a 6.25% sales tax on most retail purchases. Massachusetts does not allow local jurisdictions to add their own sales tax, so the 6.25% rate is uniform across the state.
Massachusetts is one of just a handful of states with no local sales tax — the 6.25% state rate is the entire bill, and clothing under $175 is fully exempt.
Groceries in Massachusetts
Massachusetts exempts unprepared groceries from sales tax.
Clothing in Massachusetts
Massachusetts exempts clothing items priced under $175 — only the portion above $175 is taxed.
Sales Tax Holidays in Massachusetts
Massachusetts runs an annual sales tax holiday weekend in mid-August on most items under $2,500.
How Massachusetts Compares to Neighboring States
Sales tax on a $1,000.00 purchase in Massachusetts versus neighboring states, using each state's average combined rate (state + local):
| State | State Rate | Combined Rate | Tax on $1,000 | vs. Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts (here) | 6.25% | 6.25% | $62.50 | — |
| New Hampshire | None | None | $0.00 | -$62.50 |
| Vermont | 6.00% | 6.36% | $63.60 | +$1.10 |
| New York | 4.00% | 8.53% | $85.30 | +$22.80 |
| Connecticut | 6.35% | 6.35% | $63.50 | +$1.00 |
| Rhode Island | 7.00% | 7.00% | $70.00 | +$7.50 |
A negative "vs." figure means a lower sales tax bill on the same purchase. Specific addresses can vary materially from the state-wide average.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Massachusetts sales tax rate for 2026?
Massachusetts's state sales tax rate is 6.25% for 2026. Massachusetts has no local sales tax, so this rate applies uniformly statewide.
How much sales tax will I pay on a $100 purchase in Massachusetts?
On a $100 purchase, expect approximately $6.25 in state sales tax. Total cost: roughly $106.25.
Are groceries taxed in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts exempts unprepared groceries from sales tax.
Is clothing taxed in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts exempts clothing items priced under $175 — only the portion above $175 is taxed.
Is sales tax calculated before or after discounts in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts follows the standard rule used by virtually all states: sales tax is calculated on the final discounted price, not the original price. If a $200 item is on sale for $150, you pay sales tax on $150. Manufacturer coupons can be treated differently in some states.
How is this Massachusetts sales tax estimate calculated?
The calculator applies Massachusetts's 6.25% state sales tax rate to your purchase price. Massachusetts has no local sales tax, so this rate applies uniformly statewide.