Massachusetts sales tax rates (July 1, 2026)
| State rate | 6.25% |
|---|---|
| Average local rate | 0.00% |
| Average combined rate | 6.25% |
| Rank among the 50 states and DC | 35 of 51, where 1 is the highest combined rate |
Massachusetts has no general local sales taxes, so the 6.25% state rate is the rate you pay on taxable purchases anywhere in the state.
Sales tax on common purchases in Massachusetts
| Purchase | Tax at 6.25% | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0.63 | $10.63 |
| $25 | $1.56 | $26.56 |
| $50 | $3.13 | $53.13 |
| $100 | $6.25 | $106.25 |
| $250 | $15.63 | $265.63 |
| $500 | $31.25 | $531.25 |
| $1,000 | $62.50 | $1,062.50 |
| $5,000 | $312.50 | $5,312.50 |
Worked example: a $250 purchase
Combined rate = 6.25% state + 0.00% average local = 6.25%
Sales tax = $250 × 0.0625 = $15.63
Total = $250 + $15.63 = $265.63
To back the tax out of a receipt total, divide by 1 plus the rate: $265.63 ÷ 1.0625 ≈ $250.00. The reverse sales tax calculator does this for any rate.
Massachusetts compared with nearby states
| State | State rate | Avg. local | Combined | Tax on $250 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 6.25% | 0.00% | 6.25% | $15.63 |
| Rhode Island | 7.00% | 0.00% | 7.00% | $17.50 |
| Connecticut | 6.35% | 0.00% | 6.35% | $15.88 |
| New York | 4.00% | 4.54% | 8.54% | $21.35 |
| Vermont | 6.00% | 0.43% | 6.43% | $16.08 |
| New Hampshire | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | $0.00 |
Average combined rates are lower in New Hampshire. Before shopping across the border, note that states with a sales tax also charge use tax on taxable goods bought elsewhere and brought home untaxed, and vehicles are taxed where they are registered.
What's taxed and what's exempt in Massachusetts
- Clothing is exempt up to $175 an item — only the amount above $175 is taxed — and groceries are exempt.
- The sales tax holiday weekend (August 8–9, 2026) exempted most items of $2,500 or less bought for personal use.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in Massachusetts in 2026?
The state rate is 6.25%. Massachusetts has no general local sales taxes, so 6.25% applies statewide.
How much is the sales tax on $100 in Massachusetts?
About $6.25 at the 6.25% average combined rate, for a total of $106.25.
How does Massachusetts's sales tax compare with other states?
Massachusetts ranks 35 of 51 for combined state and average local sales tax, where 1 is the highest. Nearby, New Hampshire (0.00%) is lower. New York (8.54%), Rhode Island (7.00%) and Vermont (6.43%) are higher.
Do I pay Massachusetts sales tax on online orders?
Yes, in most cases. Larger online sellers and marketplaces collect Massachusetts sales tax based on the delivery address. If a seller doesn't, Massachusetts residents owe use tax at the same rate on taxable items, usually reported on the state income tax return.
What else should shoppers know about sales tax in Massachusetts?
Clothing is exempt up to $175 an item — only the amount above $175 is taxed — and groceries are exempt.
Rates are averages for planning — not tax advice. Source: Tax Foundation, State and Local Sales Tax Rates, Midyear 2026 (rates as of July 1, 2026). Local rates vary by address and can change during the year; the Massachusetts revenue department publishes the official rate for each location.