What is the sales tax rate in Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts sales tax rate is 6.250% statewide. This rate applies uniformly across all cities and counties in Massachusetts. There are no local sales taxes in Massachusetts.

Does Massachusetts have local sales tax?

No, Massachusetts does not have county or municipal sales taxes. The 6.250% state rate applies everywhere in Massachusetts, making it simpler and more consistent than most states.

How does the $175 clothing exemption work in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts has a unique partial clothing exemption. Clothing items priced under $175 are completely exempt from sales tax. For clothing items priced at $175 or more, only the amount over $175 is taxed. For example, a $200 jacket is taxed only on $25 (the amount above $175), resulting in $1.56 in tax. Athletic apparel and protective gear are taxable regardless of price.

Are groceries taxed in Massachusetts?

No, most grocery items are exempt from sales tax in Massachusetts. Unprepared food products sold for home consumption are tax-exempt. However, prepared foods sold at restaurants or food service establishments are taxable at the 6.25% rate.

Is clothing taxed in Massachusetts?

Most clothing is exempt in Massachusetts. Individual clothing items priced under $175 are completely tax-free. For items priced at $175 or more, sales tax applies only to the amount above $175. However, athletic apparel, protective equipment (hard hats, safety glasses), and accessories are taxable regardless of price.

Are prescription drugs taxed in Massachusetts?

No, prescription drugs are exempt from sales tax in Massachusetts. Medications prescribed by licensed healthcare providers are not subject to sales tax.

Do I pay sales tax on used cars in Massachusetts?

Yes, Massachusetts charges 6.250% sales tax on motor vehicle purchases, whether new or used. The tax is calculated on the purchase price and must be paid when you register the vehicle.

When did Massachusetts last change its sales tax rate?

Massachusetts last changed its sales tax rate in 2009, when it increased from 5% to 6.250% during the Great Recession. The rate has remained at 6.25% since then. A 2010 ballot measure to reduce it back to 3% failed.

Do I pay Massachusetts sales tax on online purchases?

Yes, most online purchases delivered to Massachusetts addresses are subject to the 6.250% sales tax. Major online retailers typically collect this tax at checkout.

Sales Tax Calculator

Massachusetts Sales Tax
Calculator

Calculate Massachusetts sales tax instantly for any city. Enter any amount to see the exact tax and total.

State Rate

6.250%

Select City

Amount before tax

About Massachusetts Sales Tax

State rate: 6.250%

No local or county sales tax

Combined rate in Boston: 6.250%

State Rate

6.250%

Local Tax

Clothing Exempt

<$175

Bristol County

6.250%

Standard Rate

94,689

City	County	Standard Rate	Special District	Population
Boston	Suffolk	6.250%	Standard Rate	673,458
Worcester	Worcester	6.250%	Standard Rate	211,286
Springfield	Hampden	6.250%	Standard Rate	154,888
Cambridge	Middlesex	6.250%	Standard Rate	121,186
Lowell	Middlesex	6.250%	Standard Rate	120,418
Brockton	Plymouth	6.250%	Standard Rate	105,788
Lynn	Essex	6.250%	Standard Rate	103,489
Quincy	Norfolk	6.250%	Standard Rate	103,434
New Bedford	Bristol	6.250%	Standard Rate	101,318
Fall River	Bristol	6.250%	Standard Rate	94,689
Lawrence	Essex	6.250%	Standard Rate	89,332
Somerville	Middlesex	6.250%	Standard Rate	82,149
Framingham	Middlesex	6.250%	Standard Rate	73,361
Haverhill	Essex	6.250%	Standard Rate	68,291
Malden	Middlesex	6.250%	Standard Rate	66,693
Plymouth	Plymouth	6.250%	Standard Rate	66,663
Waltham	Middlesex	6.250%	Standard Rate	65,849
Brookline	Norfolk	6.250%	Standard Rate	63,925
Taunton	Bristol	6.250%	Standard Rate	61,936
Revere	Suffolk	6.250%	Standard Rate	60,702
Weymouth	Norfolk	6.250%	Standard Rate	60,159
Medford	Middlesex	6.250%	Standard Rate	59,898
Peabody	Essex	6.250%	Standard Rate	55,418
Chicopee	Hampden	6.250%	Standard Rate	55,381
Methuen	Essex	6.250%	Standard Rate	53,043
Everett	Middlesex	6.250%	Standard Rate	51,825
Barnstable	Barnstable	6.250%	Standard Rate	49,831
Arlington	Middlesex	6.250%	Standard Rate	47,112
Attleboro	Bristol	6.250%	Standard Rate	47,085
Newton	Middlesex	6.250%	Standard Rate	907

Note: All Massachusetts cities charge the same 6.250% rate. There are no special districts or local taxes.

How to Calculate Sales Tax in Massachusetts

Sales Tax Calculation

Massachusetts

Example: Television Purchase

Determine the purchase price

Purchase price (before tax) $500.00

Multiply by the tax rate

$500.00 × 6.250% (0.0625)

Sales tax $31.25

Add to the original price

$500.00 + $31.25

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $531.25

Thank you for your purchase

Reverse Calculation

Know the total? Divide by 1.0625 to find the pre-tax price. Example: $106.25 ÷ 1.0625 = $100.00

What's Taxed?

Taxable: Electronics, furniture

Exempt: Groceries, prescriptions, most clothing

Special Massachusetts Sales Tax Rules

$175 Clothing Exemption

Massachusetts has a unique partial clothing exemption. Individual clothing and footwear items priced under $175 are completely exempt from sales tax. For items $175 or more, only the amount over $175 is taxed.

How it works: The exemption applies per item, not per purchase.

•
$150 jacket = $150 (no tax, fully exempt)
•
$200 coat = $200 + $1.56 tax (tax on $25 over $175)
•
$300 boots = $300 + $7.81 tax (tax on $125 over $175)

Exceptions

The following are always taxable, regardless of price:

• Athletic apparel and sportswear
• Protective equipment (hard hats, safety glasses)
• Accessories (jewelry, handbags, belts)

Tax-Exempt Items

Massachusetts exempts several categories from sales tax

•
Groceries: Most unprepared food for home consumption (restaurant meals are taxable)
•
Clothing & Footwear: Items under $175; amount over $175 taxed on higher-priced items
•
Prescription Drugs: Medications prescribed by licensed healthcare providers
•
Medical Devices: Prosthetics, wheelchairs, hospital beds
•
Manufacturing Equipment: Machinery used in production
•
Newspapers: Newspapers sold by subscription or on newsstands

Note: Massachusetts' clothing exemption is one of the most generous in the nation, helping families save on essential clothing purchases year-round.

How Massachusetts Compares to Neighboring States

Here's how Massachusetts's sales tax stacks up against nearby states

6.250%

Rhode Island

7.00%

No local tax

Connecticut

6.35%

No local tax

Massachusetts

6.250%

No local tax

#26 of 50 states

New York

4.00%

+ up to 4.875%
local tax

Vermont

6.00%

+ 1% local option
(some areas)

Massachusetts has a generous clothing exemption and no local taxes, making it simpler than neighbors like New York. Nearby New Hampshire has no sales tax at all.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Massachusetts Sales Tax Rate History

Massachusetts's sales tax was first enacted in 1966. Here's the history:

Effective Date	Rate	Change	Notes
2009	6.25%	▲ +1.25%	Current rate (Great Recession increase)
Mid-1970s-1980s	5.0%	▲ +2.0%	Increased from 3% (Dukakis era)
April 1, 1966	3.0%	—	Original sales tax (temporary, made permanent 1967)

Note: A 2010 ballot measure to reduce the rate from 6.25% back to 3% was rejected by voters. The rate has remained stable at 6.25% since 2009.

Related Calculators & Resources

Calculator

Reverse Sales Tax

Find original price from total

State Calculator

Rhode Island

Calculate RI sales tax

State Calculator

Connecticut

Calculate CT sales tax

State Calculator

New York

Calculate NY sales tax

State Calculator

Vermont

Calculate VT sales tax

Resources

Official MA Tax Info

→

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current Massachusetts sales tax rates as of January 2025. Tax rates are subject to change by state legislation. For official tax rates and specific guidance on your situation, please consult the Massachusetts Department of Revenue or a qualified tax professional.

Not Legal or Tax Advice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always verify current rates before making large purchases or business decisions.

Sources: Massachusetts Department of Revenue, M.G.L. c. 64H (Sales Tax)

Last updated: October 10, 2025