⚡ Updated for 2026 · Massachusetts Sales Tax

Massachusetts Sales Tax Calculator 2026

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Sales Tax Amount
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Combined rate: 0%
Total with tax: $0.00
Pre-tax Amount
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Tax Amount
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Total Price
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Tax Rate Breakdown

Massachusetts Sales Tax Rates by County (2026)

CountyState RateCounty RateCombined RateMajor City
Barnstable6.25%0.00%6.25%Barnstable
Berkshire6.25%0.00%6.25%Pittsfield
Bristol6.25%0.00%6.25%New Bedford
Dukes6.25%0.00%6.25%Edgartown
Essex6.25%0.00%6.25%Lynn
Franklin6.25%0.00%6.25%Greenfield
Hampden6.25%0.00%6.25%Springfield
Hampshire6.25%0.00%6.25%Northampton
Middlesex6.25%0.00%6.25%Cambridge
Nantucket6.25%0.00%6.25%Nantucket
Norfolk6.25%0.00%6.25%Quincy
Plymouth6.25%0.00%6.25%Brockton
Suffolk6.25%0.00%6.25%Boston
Worcester6.25%0.00%6.25%Worcester

What Is the Massachusetts Sales Tax Rate in 2026?

The Massachusetts sales tax rate is 6.25%. This rate applies to most purchases, including retail sales, leases, and rentals. However, some items are exempt from sales tax, such as groceries, clothing, and prescription medication.

Massachusetts has a relatively simple sales tax system, with a single statewide rate and no additional local taxes. This makes it easier for businesses to calculate and collect sales tax.

💡 Quick Reference: If you’re buying a $100 item in Massachusetts, you’ll pay $6.25 in sales tax, for a total of $106.25.

It’s worth noting that Massachusetts exempts certain items from sales tax, including groceries, clothing, and prescription medication. This means that if you’re buying these items, you won’t have to pay sales tax on them.

Common Massachusetts Sales Tax Exemptions

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Groceries
Most food and grocery items are exempt from sales tax in Massachusetts.
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Clothing
Clothing and footwear items are exempt from sales tax in Massachusetts, as long as they cost less than $175 per item.
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Prescription Medication
Prescription medication is exempt from sales tax in Massachusetts.
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Textbooks
Textbooks and other educational materials are exempt from sales tax in Massachusetts.
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Art Supplies
Certain art supplies, such as paints and canvases, are exempt from sales tax in Massachusetts.
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Baby Supplies
Certain baby supplies, such as diapers and formula, are exempt from sales tax in Massachusetts.

How Does Massachusetts Sales Tax Work?

The Massachusetts Department of Revenue is responsible for collecting and administering sales tax in the state. Businesses that sell taxable goods and services in Massachusetts must register for a sales tax permit and collect sales tax from their customers.

Massachusetts has an economic nexus threshold of $500,000 in annual sales, which means that out-of-state businesses that sell more than $500,000 worth of goods and services in Massachusetts must collect and remit sales tax.

📅 Massachusetts Sales Tax Filing: Businesses must file their sales tax returns on a monthly or quarterly basis, depending on their annual sales volume. The Massachusetts Department of Revenue requires electronic filing and payment for most businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

The sales tax rate in Massachusetts is 6.25%.
No, groceries are exempt from sales tax in Massachusetts.
Yes, if you sell taxable goods and services online and have an economic nexus in Massachusetts, you must collect and remit sales tax.
The frequency of your sales tax return filing depends on your annual sales volume. Most businesses in Massachusetts file on a monthly or quarterly basis.
Yes, if you overpay your sales tax, you can file a refund claim with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
Yes, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue can impose penalties and interest on businesses that fail to collect and remit sales tax.

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