Massachusetts Sales Tax Calculator

What is Massachusetts' sales tax rate?

Massachusetts has a flat 6.25% statewide sales tax with no local additions (unlike most states). The rate applies uniformly across all 351 cities and towns. Restaurants (prepared food) are taxed at 6.25% plus an optional local meals tax of up to 0.75%, which most cities and towns have adopted, bringing Boston's effective meals rate to 7%.

What is exempt from MA sales tax?

MA sales tax exemptions: unprepared food/groceries, clothing items priced under $175 each, prescription drugs, certain medical devices, sales to qualifying nonprofits/government, newspapers, and residential electricity/gas. Notably: all clothing under $175/item is exempt (not just specific types), making MA clothing shopping more tax-friendly than most states.

How does the clothing exemption work in MA?

Each clothing item with a purchase price under $175 is fully exempt from MA sales tax. If an item costs $200, only the $25 above $175 is taxable (tax = $1.56 at 6.25%). This is per-item — a $350 purchase of two $175 items would be fully exempt (each item is exactly $175, and the exemption applies to items "less than $175" — so $175 items may be taxed in practice; confirm with retailer).

Does Massachusetts have a sales tax holiday?

MA hosts an annual Sales Tax Holiday Weekend (usually in August) where purchases of most items under $2,500 are exempt from the 6.25% state sales tax. This is legislated annually — not guaranteed. Popular for buying appliances, electronics, and furniture. The holiday does not apply to meals, motor vehicles, tobacco, gas, or items purchased for business use.