Massachusetts Sales Tax Calculator 2026
Calculate sales tax on any purchase in Massachusetts. The state rate is 6.25% — local taxes may increase the total rate in your area.
Massachusetts Sales Tax Quick Facts
Understanding Massachusetts Sales Tax
Massachusetts imposes a statewide sales tax rate of 6.25% on most retail purchases. This is right around the national average. Local jurisdictions can layer additional taxes on top, so the rate you pay at the register may be higher than the state rate alone.
State Rate vs. Local Rate
The 6.25% rate is just the state portion. Massachusetts allows cities, counties, and special taxing districts to levy additional sales taxes. These local rates typically range from 0.5% to 3%, though some areas go higher. The combined rate — state plus local — is what you actually pay. To find the exact rate for your address, use the Massachusetts Department of Revenue's rate lookup tool or enter your local rate in our calculator above.
How to Calculate Massachusetts Sales Tax
The formula is straightforward: multiply the purchase price by the tax rate expressed as a decimal. For a $100.00 purchase at the 6.25% state rate:
- $100.00 × 0.0625 = $6.25 in state tax
- Total: $100.00 + $6.25 = $106.25
If your city adds a 2% local tax, the combined rate becomes 8.25%, and the tax on $100.00 jumps to $8.25. That local portion adds up fast on large purchases.
Common Exemptions in Massachusetts
Not everything is taxable. Massachusetts, like most states, exempts certain categories of goods from sales tax. Here are the most common:
Groceries: Massachusetts exempts most unprepared grocery items from the 6.25% state sales tax. Prepared foods, candy, and soft drinks are typically still taxable.
Clothing: Massachusetts exempts most clothing and footwear from sales tax. This can mean significant savings on apparel purchases compared to neighboring states.
Prescription Medication: Prescription medications are exempt from sales tax in Massachusetts. Over-the-counter drugs and medical devices may or may not be taxable depending on Massachusetts law — verify with the state tax authority.
Sales Tax on Vehicles and Large Purchases
Buying a car in Massachusetts? The state sales tax of 6.25% applies to vehicle purchases, typically calculated on the purchase price or the fair market value, whichever is higher. On a $30,000 vehicle, that's $1875 in state tax alone before any local taxes. Some states offer trade-in credits that reduce the taxable amount — check whether Massachusetts allows this deduction.
Online Purchases and Massachusetts Sales Tax
Since the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court ruling, Massachusetts requires out-of-state online retailers to collect sales tax once they exceed certain economic nexus thresholds. Most major online retailers now collect Massachusettssales tax automatically. If you buy from a seller who doesn't collect the tax, you are still legally required to report and pay use tax on your Massachusetts tax return.
Filing Requirements for Businesses
Businesses making taxable sales in Massachusetts must register with the state, collect the correct amount of sales tax at each transaction, and file returns on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis depending on their volume. Late filing and underpayment can trigger penalties and interest. If you sell into Massachusetts from another state, the economic nexus rules may require you to register even without a physical presence.