Massachusetts Sales Tax Calculator
Massachusetts sales tax applies to most retail sales of tangible goods and some services. This calculator shows the combined state and local sales tax rate for any location in Massachusetts and lets you work out the tax on a given purchase price or reverse-calculate the pre-tax amount from a total. Select your county or city to load the exact local rate on top of the Massachusetts statewide base rate, then enter any purchase amount to see the tax and total immediately. Rates and jurisdictions are sourced from Massachusetts Department of Revenue and reflect current Massachusetts law. Sales tax in Massachusetts applies at the point of sale for most tangible personal property; groceries, prescription drugs, and other categories may be exempt or taxed at a reduced rate depending on state law. Use the calculator to compare totals across different jurisdictions, or to verify a receipt. The combined rate shown is the rate applicable at a specific location and accounts for any special district taxes layered on top of the county or municipal rate.
Massachusetts's state sales tax base rate is 6.25%. There are no local sales taxes, so this is the rate statewide.
How sales tax works in Massachusetts
Massachusetts charges a statewide base sales tax of 6.25%. Single statewide rate of 6.25% with no county or city sales taxes (a separate local option meals tax of up to 0.75% can apply to restaurant meals in some municipalities, but not to general retail sales). There are no local sales taxes, so the rate is the same across Massachusetts. Your result updates the page link, so you can copy a permalink to any calculation.
sales tax = pre-tax price x (state rate + local rate) / 100
total = pre-tax price + sales tax
What is taxed in Massachusetts
| Groceries | Exempt |
|---|---|
| Prescription drugs | Exempt |
| Clothing | Reduced / partial |
Most food sold for human consumption (groceries) is exempt; meals and prepared food are taxable at 6.25% plus any local meals tax.
Clothing and footwear are exempt up to $175 per item; only the amount above $175 is taxed at 6.25%.
Source: Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
Massachusetts sales tax holidays
- Massachusetts Sales Tax Holiday (A weekend in August 2026 (annual; the exact 2026 dates are set each year by the Department of Revenue)): Most retail items of tangible personal property priced at $2,500 or less per item for personal use; excludes motor vehicles, boats, meals, tobacco, marijuana, alcohol and utilities. (source)
Massachusetts sales tax: frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts's statewide base rate is 6.25%. The rate is 6.25% everywhere in Massachusetts; there are no county or city sales taxes.
Are groceries taxed in Massachusetts?
Most food sold for human consumption (groceries) is exempt; meals and prepared food are taxable at 6.25% plus any local meals tax.
Does Massachusetts have a sales tax holiday?
Yes. Massachusetts runs 1 sales tax holiday: Massachusetts Sales Tax Holiday (A weekend in August 2026 (annual; the exact 2026 dates are set each year by the Department of Revenue)).
How do I remove sales tax from a total in Massachusetts?
Switch the calculator to Remove tax and enter the tax-inclusive total. It divides by 1 plus the combined rate to find the pre-tax price, then shows the tax.
Is clothing taxed in Massachusetts?
Clothing and footwear are exempt up to $175 per item. For an item priced above $175, only the amount over $175 is subject to the 6.25% sales tax.
Does Massachusetts have local sales taxes?
No. Massachusetts has a single statewide sales tax of 6.25% with no general local sales taxes. Some municipalities add a local option meals tax of up to 0.75% on restaurant meals, but this does not affect general retail purchases.
Official sources
- State base rate (6.25%): Massachusetts Department of Revenue, as at Jun 11, 2026.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 11 June 2026. See our methodology. General information, not financial or tax advice.