Massachusetts Nanny Tax Calculator
Estimate your total employer costs for hiring a nanny in Massachusetts. Enter your nanny's pay below for a personalized tax breakdown.
Massachusetts employer tax rates at a glance
Social Security
6.2%
employer share
Medicare
1.45%
employer share
FUTA
0.6%
on first $7,000
MA SUTA
1.118% - 17.086%
2026 range across employers
Key facts for Massachusetts household employers
- Minimum wage: $15.00/hour (compare nationwide)
- State income tax withholding required
- Paid family leave program in effect
- Paid Family and Medical Leave program
- High potential SUI rates
Massachusetts nanny tax FAQ
How does the calculator estimate Massachusetts nanny taxes?
It adds up everything you owe as the employer in Massachusetts, on top of your nanny's wages.
- Federal FICA: 15.3% combined, split between you and your nanny
- Federal FUTA: 0.6% effective on the first $7,000
- Massachusetts SUTA: 1.118% - 17.086%
- Massachusetts state income tax (when withheld)
- Massachusetts paid family leave premium
Figures are 2026 rates and use the 2026 FICA threshold of $3,000.
Does Massachusetts require state income tax withholding from a nanny's paycheck?
Usually not. Massachusetts has a state income tax, but withholding it from a household employee is optional unless your nanny asks for it.
- It is usually optional, and your nanny elects it on Massachusetts's W-4 equivalent
- If they do elect it, you owe quarterly remittance to the state and an annual reconciliation return that includes the W-2 you issued
What's the minimum hourly rate I can pay a nanny in Massachusetts?
At least $15.00 an hour for a nanny in Massachusetts.
- That is Massachusetts's own minimum wage, above the federal $7.25 floor
- Some cities and counties may set a higher floor, so check your locality before you set a rate
- Overtime is 1.5x pay for hours over 40 in a week, under the FLSA
- Live-in nannies are exempt from FLSA overtime, but not from minimum wage
Does Massachusetts add disability or paid family leave premiums?
Yes, paid family leave. Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) covers household employees.
- Funding rules vary: some states are employee-funded, some split it between employer and employee
- You register and remit for it separately from unemployment insurance
Why does my Massachusetts nanny's net pay differ from the calculator total?
Because they answer different questions. The calculator's employer total is what leaves your account; net pay is what lands in your Massachusetts nanny's.
- Federal FICA: 6.2% Social Security plus 1.45% Medicare, so 7.65% off the top
- Any federal income tax your nanny chose to have withheld
- Massachusetts income tax, if your nanny elected it on the state W-4
- Their share of Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)
Your own share, the employer FICA match plus FUTA and SUTA, sits on top of gross pay rather than coming out of it.
This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual tax obligations may vary. Always verify current rates with your state's tax agency or consult a qualified tax professional.
Learn more
Massachusetts Tax Guide
Full compliance requirements for MA household employers.
Nanny Cost by State
See how Massachusetts compares to all 50 states for total employer costs.
Massachusetts Nanny Contract
Free contract builder with MA-specific requirements.
Complete Tax Guide
Everything you need to know about nanny taxes.
NannyKeeper calculates Massachusetts taxes on every paycheck
All MA tax calculations, documents, and deadline reminders, starting at $10/month.
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