How Much Tax Is Deducted from a Paycheck in MA?
When an individual receives a paycheck in Massachusetts, it should be acknowledged that a portion is withheld for taxes before the earnings were received. Such deductions include federal as well as state income taxes alongside specific contributions to Social Security, Medicare and retirement plans. Taxpayers in MA should be aware that how much tax is deducted from a paycheck in MA varies on the income level, filing status and available deductions or exemptions.
Federal Taxes Deducted from a Paycheck
Federal Income Tax
The federal income tax that is withheld changes in accordance with the IRS tax brackets for 2025. To be more precise, the exact amount depends on the following subjects:
The taxable income amount,
The filing status (single, married, head of household and etc.),
The number of dependents or allowances claimed on the W-4,
Any additional withholdings requested
In such a progressive tax system administered by the IRS, the different portions of the income fall into different tax brackets. The maximum percentage to be applied is 37% while the lowest rate is 10% as a part of Massachusetts paycheck tax.
FICA Taxes
Under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA), employees in MA contribute to the below components:
Social Security Tax: 6.2% of wages, up to the annual taxable wage limit.
Medicare Tax: 1.45% of wages.
Additional Medicare Tax: An extra 0.9% is applied to earnings over $200,000 (For married couples filing jointly, it is over $250,000).
MA State Tax Withholding
As the tax authority in MA, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue applies its own tax rules to employee paychecks:
Massachusetts Income Tax
| Tax Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts Income Tax | Flat 5% tax on taxable income. |
| Taxable Income | Applies to wages, salaries, commissions, and most other earned income. |
Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)
| Tax Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts PFML | 0.318% deduction from wages (for most employees). |
| Purpose | Funds paid leave for medical and family-related absences. |
It should be noted that the maximum weekly benefit for PFML is $1,170.64 in 2025. Individuals should recognize the differences in federal vs state payroll taxes as well as the rates vary on the federal level while MA state tax withholding is applied at a flat 5%.
Other Possible Deductions
Local Taxes
In Massachusetts, local governments do not impose additional MA payroll deductions alongside the state-level taxes. Within this context, employees across all cities and towns in MA are subject to the same Massachusetts paycheck tax implications.
Retirement Contributions
Contributions to employer-sponsored 401(k) as well as individual retirement accounts (IRAs) may have a lowering impact on taxable income.
Some employers might present pension plans that have pre-tax deductions.
Health Insurance & Other Benefits
Employees enrolled in employer-sponsored health insurance, dental or vision plans might have pre-tax deductions.
Additional voluntary benefits like life insurance or disability coverage are also deductible.
How to Calculate Your Paycheck After Taxes
We present a straightforward calculation method in order to address how much tax is deducted from a paycheck in MA as outlined below:
The starting point is your gross salary (e.g., $50,000 per year).
Federal income tax should be subtracted based on IRS tax brackets and W-4 selections.
FICA tax deductions are applied:
Social Security: 6.2% (up to the taxable wage limit).
Medicare: 1.45%.
Additional Medicare Tax: 0.9% (for earnings over $200,000).
MA income tax rate subtraction: 5%.
PFML contribution deductions: 0.318%.
Other pre-tax deductions should be included, like retirement plans and health benefits as well as local taxes (if any).
For a quick estimation, MA paycheck calculator tools lend a helping hand in determining after-tax earnings based on specific withholdings:
How Much Tax is Deducted From a Paycheck in MA for a $50,000 Salary
| Deduction | Amount |
|---|---|
| Federal Income Tax (Estimate) | ~$4,500 |
| Social Security Tax (6.2%) | $3,100 |
| Medicare Tax (1.45%) | $725 |
| MA Income Tax Rate (5%) | $2,500 |
| PFML Deduction (0.318%) | $159 |
| Estimated Take-Home Pay | $39,016 |
FAQs
What percentage is taken out of my paycheck in Massachusetts?
It simply depends on the income and filing status as well as the deductions applied. Yet, the most typical withholdings include the below items. For quick results, an online MA paycheck calculator can be beneficial.
Federal income tax (varies by tax bracket)
Social Security (6.2%) & Medicare (1.45%)
MA income tax rate (5%)
PFML contribution (0.318%)
How to calculate Massachusetts withholding tax?
MA state tax withholding is a flat 5%. Employers calculate and withhold this rate on taxable income automatically based on the earnings.
How much is $70,000 after taxes in Massachusetts?
In a nutshell, the taxation of a $70,000 salary can be calculated as in our MA paycheck calculator demonstration below:
Federal taxes: ~$6,500 (varies based on filing status)
Social Security: $4,340
Medicare: $1,015
MA income tax rate (5%): $3,500
PFML deduction: ~$223
Estimated take-home pay: ~$54,422 (before retirement and health deductions). It should be noted that MA paycheck calculator tools present fast calculations.
What income is taxed at 12% in MA?
Massachusetts does not have a 12% state tax rate in the context of Massachusetts paycheck tax practices. The state imposes a flat 5% income tax on all taxable earnings. The 12% rate is applied to capital assets held less than one year which are considered Part A income.
Need Help with MA Payroll Deductions?
If you need professional assistance in how much tax is deducted from a paycheck in MA, our team of tax professionals is ready to offer aid. Contact us today for clear guidance on paycheck deductions, tax planning and maximizing your earnings.
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