Massachusetts Sales Tax Calculator 2026: 6.25% Statewide

Massachusetts Sales Tax Calculator 2026

Massachusetts charges a flat 6.25% sales tax everywhere in the state; cities and towns cannot add a general sales tax. Groceries and prescription drugs are exempt, and clothing gets an unusual break: the first $175 of each item is tax-free, and only the part above $175 is taxed. Restaurant meals pay 6.25% plus up to 0.75% local meals tax. Enter a price below to add 6.25%, or a receipt total to find the price before tax.

By AwaisLast reviewed October 28, 2026

Massachusetts sales tax at a glance

Massachusetts sales tax rules
Type of tax	Sales and use tax
State rate	6.25%
Local rates	None: one rate statewide
Average combined rate	6.25%
Groceries	ExemptFood for human consumption is exempt. Restaurant meals are taxed under the separate meals tax.
Prescription drugs	ExemptPrescription medicines are exempt. Over-the-counter drugs are exempt only when sold on a prescription.
Clothing	Exempt up to $175 per itemThe first $175 of each clothing or footwear item is exempt; tax applies only to the amount above $175.

Official rates: Massachusetts DOR: Tax rates.

Worked examples

A $200 winter coat (first $175 exempt)

A $200 winter coat (first $175 exempt)
Rate	6.25%
Price before tax	$200.00
Taxable part	$200.00 − $175.00 exempt = $25.00
Sales tax	$1.56
Total	$201.56

Working: $25.00 × 6.25% = $1.56. Only the $25 above the $175 clothing threshold is taxed. A laptop at the same price would be taxed on the full $200.

Working back from a $106.25 receipt

Working back from a $106.25 receipt
Rate	6.25%
Price before tax	$100.00
Sales tax	$6.25
Total	$106.25

Working back: $106.25 ÷ 1.0625 = $100.00, so the tax was $6.25. Divide by 1.0625 to get the pre-tax price. This works for taxable goods; a receipt that mixes in exempt clothing needs splitting first.

The $175 clothing rule

Clothing and footwear for everyday wear are exempt up to $175 per item. If an item costs more, tax applies only to the amount over $175, not to the whole price. A $200 coat is taxed on $25, so the tax is $1.56, and a $150 pair of shoes is not taxed at all. The rule is per item, so a $300 shopping bag of three $100 shirts carries no tax. Clothing designed for athletic or protective use is taxed in full.

Meals tax and the August holiday

Restaurant meals and takeout prepared food are taxed under the meals tax at 6.25%, and cities and towns that adopt the local option add up to 0.75%, for 7% in total. Massachusetts also holds an annual sales tax holiday weekend in August: in 2026 it was 8 and 9 August, when most retail items costing up to $2,500 bought for personal use were exempt. Meals, cars, boats, tobacco, marijuana and alcohol are excluded.

Massachusetts vs. neighboring states

Massachusetts sales tax compared with neighboring states
State	State rate	Avg. combined	Groceries
Massachusetts	6.25%	6.25%	Exempt
New Hampshire	0%	0.00%	No sales tax
Vermont	6%	6.43%	Exempt
New York	4%	8.54%	Exempt
Connecticut	6.35%	6.35%	Exempt
Rhode Island	7%	7.00%	Exempt

Average combined rates are from the Tax Foundation, midyear 2026 report. See sales tax rates for every state for the full table.

Frequently asked questions

Is clothing taxed in Massachusetts?

Only above $175 per item. Clothing and footwear up to $175 are exempt, and for a more expensive item tax applies only to the amount over $175.

What is the Massachusetts meals tax?

Restaurant meals are taxed at 6.25%, and cities and towns that adopt the local option add up to 0.75%, so many places charge 7% on meals.

When is the Massachusetts sales tax holiday?

It is a weekend in August each year. In 2026 it ran on 8 and 9 August and covered most retail items up to $2,500 bought for personal use.

Do Massachusetts cities add sales tax?

No. The 6.25% sales tax is the same in every city and town. Local governments can only add taxes on meals, hotel rooms and some short-term rentals.

What is the sales tax rate in Massachusetts in 2026?

The statewide rate is 6.25%. There are no local sales taxes, so 6.25% is the rate everywhere in the state.

How do I calculate Massachusetts sales tax on a purchase?

Add the state and local rates, then multiply the price by that rate as a decimal. At 6.25%, tax on $100 is 100 × 0.0625 = $6.25, for a total of $106.25. To go back from a receipt total, divide it by 1 plus the rate.