Estimate your Massachusetts property tax based on the state's 1.00% average effective rate. Enter your home value for an instant, free calculation.
Enter any tax exemption amount you qualify for in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has a moderate effective property tax rate of 1.00%, ranking 20th nationally. High home values — particularly in Greater Boston — mean actual annual bills frequently exceed $8,000–$15,000 for suburban homeowners.
Massachusetts requires property to be assessed at full and fair cash value, with reassessments at least every 3 years. The state limits property tax levies (not rates) through Proposition 2½, which caps levy increases at 2.5% per year plus new growth.
| Home Value | Estimated Annual Tax | Monthly (Escrow) |
|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $2,500 | $208/mo |
| $567,600 (median) | $5,676 | $473/mo |
| $600,000 | $6,000 | $500/mo |
Massachusetts Proposition 2½ is the primary protection against levy growth. Additional exemptions exist for seniors 65+ (varying by community), surviving spouses, blind persons, and veterans. The residential exemption program in some communities can reduce bills by 20–35%.
Massachusetts property taxes are due quarterly: August 1, November 1, February 1, and May 1.
Middlesex County (Cambridge, Somerville, Waltham) has extremely high values. The residential exemption program in Boston and some other communities significantly reduces bills for owner-occupants versus investors.