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Sales Tax by City

Boston, Massachusetts Sales Tax Calculator

The combined sales tax rate in Boston, Massachusetts is 6.250%. Massachusetts has no local sales tax — Boston pays the flat 6.25% state rate. Clothing under $175 per item is exempt.

Total with tax
$106.25
Combined rate 6.250%
Purchase amount$100.00
State tax (6.250%)$6.25
Local tax (0.000%)$0.00
Total tax$6.25
Massachusetts notes: Clothing exempt up to $175 per item. Groceries exempt. Statewide average combined rate: 6.25%. Max local rate: 0.00%. Groceries: exempt from state tax.
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Sales tax in Boston

The 6.250% you pay at a Boston register is made up of 6.25% state tax plus roughly 0.000% in local taxes — a combination of county, city, and special-district levies. Massachusetts has no local sales tax — Boston pays the flat 6.25% state rate. Clothing under $175 per item is exempt.

That tracks closely with the Massachusetts statewide average of 6.25%.

Massachusetts exempts both groceries and most clothing from sales tax — those exemptions apply in Boston too. Prepared food and restaurant meals, however, are generally fully taxable.

For exact tax on a transaction at a specific Boston address, use the Massachusetts Department of Revenue's lookup or a tool like Avalara. Rates can vary block-by-block when special tax districts cover part of the city.

Boston rate breakdown: Combined rate 6.250% = MA state 6.25% + local 0.000% (county + city + transit + special districts).
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Frequently asked questions

What is the sales tax rate in Boston, Massachusetts?

The combined sales tax rate in Boston is 6.250%. That includes the Massachusetts state portion plus county, city, and any applicable special-district taxes.

How is the Boston sales tax broken down?

Boston's 6.250% combined rate is made up of: 6.25% state, plus local additions including county, city, and any transit or special-district taxes. See the breakdown in the calculator above for any purchase amount.

What is the sales tax on a $100 purchase in Boston?

At a combined rate of 6.250%, sales tax on $100 in Boston is $6.25, bringing the total to $106.25.

Are groceries taxed in Boston?

Massachusetts exempts unprepared groceries from sales tax — they're not taxed in Boston either. Restaurant meals and prepared food are taxed at the full 6.250% rate.

Is the sales tax in Boston higher than surrounding cities?

Boston's rate of 6.250% is close to the Massachusetts statewide average of 6.25%. Some neighbors may be a fraction of a percent higher or lower.

Related calculators

Massachusetts Sales Tax (statewide)

State-level rates and rules for all of Massachusetts.

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All-State Sales Tax Calculator

Combined rates for all 50 states + DC.

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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, accounting, or legal advice. Tax rates, regulations, and economic data change frequently. Consult a qualified accountant or tax professional for advice specific to your situation.