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
0.56% - 18.54%
new employer rate range
Key facts for Massachusetts household employers
- Minimum wage: $15.00/hour (compare nationwide)
- State income tax withholding required
- Paid family leave program in effect
- Flat state income tax of 5% (plus 4% millionaire surtax)
- Paid Family and Medical Leave program
Massachusetts nanny tax FAQ
How does the calculator estimate Massachusetts nanny taxes?
The calculator estimates the full employer cost for a household employee in Massachusetts: federal FICA (15.3% combined, split between you and your employee), federal FUTA (0.6% effective on the first $7,000), and Massachusetts SUTA (0.56% - 18.54%). It also factors in Massachusetts state income tax (when withheld), Massachusetts paid family leave premium. Numbers update for tax year 2026 and reflect the 2026 FICA threshold of $3,000.
Does Massachusetts require state income tax withholding from a nanny's paycheck?
Massachusetts has a state income tax. Withholding from household employees is typically optional unless your nanny elects it on the state's W-4 equivalent. If they do elect withholding, you will owe quarterly remittance to the state and an annual reconciliation return that includes copies of the W-2 you issued.
What's the minimum hourly rate I can pay a nanny in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts's minimum wage is $15.00/hour, above the federal $7.25 floor. Household employees must be paid at least this rate. FLSA overtime (1.5x for hours over 40 in a week) applies to most household employees. Live-in nannies are FLSA-exempt from overtime but not from minimum wage.
Does Massachusetts add disability or paid family leave premiums?
Yes for paid family leave. Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) covers household employees. Funding rules vary — some states are employee-funded, some split employer and employee. You register and remit separately from unemployment insurance.
Why does my Massachusetts nanny's net pay differ from the calculator total?
In Massachusetts, the gross-to-net difference comes from federal FICA (6.2% Social Security + 1.45% Medicare = 7.65% withheld from the employee), any federal income tax your nanny chose to have withheld, plus Massachusetts state income tax if elected on the state W-4, plus the employee-side share of Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML). Your share — the employer FICA match and FUTA + SUTA — sits on top of the gross, not subtracted from it. The calculator separates "employer cost" (your total outlay) from "employee net pay" (what lands in their bank account).
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 handles Massachusetts taxes automatically
All MA tax calculations, documents, and deadline reminders—starting at $10/month.
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