The Residential Taxes in MA vary by city and town and are determined each fiscal year during the budget process.
Residential Taxes in MA
How Is Residential Tax Determined in MA?
The residential tax rate in Massachusetts is determined during the budget process conducted by each city and town. The tax rate requires approval on the state level. It is very important to understand residential tax in order to accurately estimate the overall cost of home ownership.
Residential Tax Rate Comparison
The chart shared here shows the fiscal year 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 residential tax rates for Arlington, Belmont, Cambridge, Medford, and Somerville, Massachusetts.
In addition, my Clients receive a detailed residential tax comparison including the current and historical tax rates as well as any residential exemption savings available. Residential tax is a significant factor included in the cost of home ownership as well as to compare the fiscal health of a city or town.
Tax Rates FY23 – FY26
Per $1,000 of assessed value
| Residential Tax Rates | FY 23 | FY 24 | FY 25 | FY 26 |
| Arlington MA | 11.21 | 10.59 | 10.77 | 10.67 |
| Belmont MA | 11.24 | 10.56 | 11.39 | 11.51 |
| Cambridge MA | 5.86 | 5.92 | 6.35 | 6.67 |
| Medford MA | 8.65 | 8.52 | 8.80 | 8.63 |
| Somerville MA | 10.34 | 10.52 | 10.91 | 10.98 |
During my home buyer consultation or home seller consultation you will receive my full residential tax comparison which includes current and historical tax information for Arlington, Belmont, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Medford, Somerville, Watertown, and Waltham Massachusetts.
How Is Residential Tax Calculated in MA?
To calculate real estate tax for a home you need the current assessed value and residential tax rate. Tax rates in Massachusetts are stated as per $1,000 of assessed value. Therefore, you need to first divide the assessed dollar value by 1,000 and then multiply that result by the tax rate.
Here is an example of how to calculate the real estate tax for a home with $750,000 assessed value and residential tax rate of 5.92:
- 750,000 divided by 1,000 = 750
- 750 x 5.92 = $ 4,440
The annual real estate tax amount in this example is $4,440. Be sure to verify the current assessed dollar value of your home and the current residential tax rate with your city or town Assessor to receive the most accurate information.
How To Lower Residential Tax in MA
Massachusetts offers several types of residential tax savings which are called a “tax exemption” and determined by each city or town. For more details about the qualifications and application process, visit the Assessor’s website for each city or town.
What is a Residential Exemption?
A residential exemption, if available, can significantly lower the annual residential tax bill for those who qualify. A residential exemption is extended to a homeowner who lives full time in a primary residence. This tax savings is not available in all cities and towns. The deadline to apply for a residential exemption varies but typically occurs in the first quarter of each year.
For example, in fiscal year 2026 the residential exemption in Cambridge MA provided a tax savings up to $3,403. By comparison, the Somerville MA residential exemption in fiscal year 2026 offered a tax savings up to $4,578 each year.
Contact me today to learn more about the residential exemption offered in select cities and towns of Massachusetts. The city or town Assessor will provide the most accurate information about the current residential tax rate and tax exemptions available.
What Does “Fiscal Year” Mean?
The fiscal year in Massachusetts begins on July 1 and ends on June 30 in the following calendar year. The residential tax rate, residential exemption savings (where applicable), and the property assessed value is updated each fiscal year.
What is the MA Non-Resident Withholding Tax?
Starting on November 1, 2025 the sale or transfer of Massachusetts real estate is subject to withholding when the sale price is $1M or more and the transferor is not a full-year resident.
Full-year residents are exempt from the tax withholding requirement; however, they are required to complete the Transferor’s Certification form. Consult with your Attorney and/or licensed MA Tax Professional.
More details on mass.gov: About MA Non-Resident Withholding Tax
When Are Residential Taxes Collected in MA?
Each city and town determines their tax collection schedule. For example, some cities and towns collect taxes on a quarterly basis in August, November, February, and May. Other cities and towns (such as Cambridge) collect residential taxes twice a year in November and May.
Where To Find Tax Information
The best practice is to verify property tax information directly with the city or town to ensure accuracy. Many residential tax bills are also available online or can be verified by contacting the assessor or tax collector directly.
Property tax information is provided in MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and other real estate websites; however, the accuracy of the information is not verified. The most reliable source for property and tax information is with the assessor and tax collector.
Always consult with a licensed tax professional for any questions regarding residential real estate taxes and tax liability.
Tax Rate Research
The most reliable source for property and tax information is the official city and town website. Typically the assessor, finance, and/or tax collector department will provide the property assessed value and residential tax rate.
To learn more about residential taxes in MA including a detailed comparison of the cities and towns offering a residential exemption; contact me to schedule a Home Buyer or Home Seller Consultation.
