Does Massachusetts tax Social Security?
Does not tax Social Security
No. Social Security is not part of Massachusetts gross income.
What the Massachusetts Department of Revenue says
We do not paraphrase the rule from memory. This is the state's own wording, copied from the page linked below it:
“Massachusetts gross income doesn’t include Social Security benefits.”
Federal tax is a separate question
Even though Massachusetts does not tax it, the IRS can still tax part of your Social Security on your federal return. Whether it does depends on your other income. Our taxable Social Security calculator follows the IRS worksheet line by line, and this guide explains the rule.
You can ask Social Security to withhold federal tax from each payment. Withholding for Massachusetts state tax, if you need it, is arranged with the state, not with Social Security. State rules change with new laws, so check with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue before you file.
Other states where the answer is “does not tax Social Security”
Check our work
The answer above comes from this page. Follow the link and compare.
- Massachusetts tax information for seniors and retireesMassachusetts Department of Revenue. Read on November 12, 2026.