what taxes does Massachusetts have (Northampton: sales, house, income)

[stulgy]

My husband, I and 2 children are relocating from Chicago to Massachusetts. We can really move to either Connecticut from about the Hartford area all the way up to as far North as Northampton, MA. I just found out that Connecticut charges yearly taxes on cars. I'm wondering if Massachusetts has personal property taxes also. Tax wise which state does everyone think is more affordable? Please let me know if there are any other taxes in either state besides state income, property and personal property. Thank you so much.

[mustmove]

MA has the excise tax on cars as well. If you look at state rankings for tax rates taxachussetts comes in around 25 by several different measures. CT is usually in the top 5-10. YMMV. If it really concerns you find an accountant.

[professorsenator]

Heres' info on the car tax:
CIS: Motor Vehicle Excise Information

Massachusetts taxes are the following:
- 5% sales tax on goods and prepared foods. NO sales tax on unprepared food (i.e. most groceries), clothing, or most services.
- Flat rate 5.3% income tax. Some deductions/exemptions, but much less than federal.
- Local property tax. Levied by town based upon the value of your home, varies widely from community to community. Rough estimates: > 1.5% of the actual market value of the house in high tax towns/cities, <.5% in low tax towns/cities.
- automobile excise tax (see reference above)

I dislike the car tax (most folks do) but otherwise do not find Mass. taxes to be unreasonable.

[lprovo]

This is a guide put out by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. It pretty much covers the gamut.

Practical Guide To Living In The State

[bgrasser]

This November, if the vote goes well there won't be an income tax in two years.

[Valerie C]

I lived in Massachusetts for most of my life. In theory, Mass residents will be voting away their income tax. Do you really think it's going to be *that* easy to wean the Massachusetts Tax and Spend government away from your money? I bet the first thing to increase will be property taxes, then personal property (excise tax) then a higher sales tax, etc...

Originally Posted by bgrasser

This November, if the vote goes well there won't be an income tax in two years.

[mustmove]

It'll be a good fight. And if the tax is voted out and the state/courts keep it you'll have answer for the state of democracy in MA. It'll be fun to watch the self proclaimed liberal defenders of freedom, defend overriding the public for the taxes they love so much.