Massachusetts Paycheck Calculator 2026 – Estimate Your Take-Home Pay
Use our free Massachusetts Paycheck Calculator to estimate your net pay for the 2026 tax year. This tool acts as a MA net pay calculator by computing Federal withholding, FICA taxes, mandatory PFML contributions, and Massachusetts income tax at the state's flat rate of 5.0%. Because Massachusetts uses a simple flat tax rather than progressive brackets, calculating your Massachusetts take home pay is straightforward and accurate.
- State Tax Rate: 5.0% (Flat Rate)
- PFML Tax: ~0.344% (Employee portion est.)
- Federal Tax: 10% – 37% (Progressive)
- FICA Tax: 7.65% (Federal)
How the Massachusetts Paycheck Calculator Works
Our Massachusetts gross to net calculator uses the latest 2026 tax rules. Unlike states with complex brackets, Massachusetts simplifies the process. We start with your gross earnings and subtract:
- Federal Withholding: Based on your filing status and IRS brackets.
- FICA Taxes: Mandatory contributions for Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%).
- Massachusetts State Tax: Calculated at a flat 5.0% rate on your taxable income.
- PFML (Paid Family & Medical Leave): A state-mandated deduction to fund paid leave programs.
Massachusetts Income Tax Rate (2026)
Massachusetts has a straightforward flat income tax system. This makes the Massachusetts income tax calculator logic highly predictable.
| Filing Status | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Single | 5.0% (Flat) |
| Married Filing Jointly | 5.0% (Flat) |
| Head of Household | 5.0% (Flat) |
Note: Massachusetts provides a personal exemption ($4,400 for singles, $8,800 for married) that reduces the taxable base before the 5.0% is applied.
Federal Taxes That Apply to Your Paycheck
Federal Income Tax
The IRS imposes a progressive tax ranging from 10% to 37%. Your specific rate depends on your filing status and total taxable income.
Social Security & Medicare (FICA)
Every Massachusetts paystub calculator includes FICA. This deducts 6.2% of your gross pay for Social Security (up to the wage limit) and 1.45% for Medicare (on all earnings).
Massachusetts Paycheck After Taxes for $70,000 Salary
If you are a single filer in Boston or Cambridge earning $70,000 per year, your breakdown looks like this:
| Tax Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Federal Tax (Est.) | $7,850 |
| FICA (7.65%) | $5,355 |
| State Tax (5.0%) | $3,280 |
| PFML (Est. ~0.34%) | $240 |
| Estimated Take-Home Pay | $53,275 |
Minimum Wage & Cost of Living
Massachusetts has one of the highest minimum wages in the country ($15.00+ per hour). However, the cost of living, particularly housing in the Greater Boston area, is significantly higher than the national average.
How to Increase Your Take-Home Pay
To maximize your Massachusetts salary calculator results, ensure your W-4 form is accurate. Contributing to pre-tax retirement accounts (401k/403b) reduces your taxable income, which lowers both your federal tax and your flat 5.0% state tax liability.
FAQs – Massachusetts Paycheck Calculator
What is the Massachusetts state income tax rate?
Massachusetts uses a flat state income tax rate of 5.0% for all income levels and filing statuses for the 2026 tax year.
What is the PFML tax on my paycheck?
PFML stands for Paid Family and Medical Leave. It is a state tax funded by employers and employees. For 2026, employees typically see a deduction of roughly 0.3% to 0.4% of their wages.
Are there local income taxes in Massachusetts?
No. Unlike New York or Ohio, Massachusetts cities and towns do not levy a local personal income tax on wages.