The Millionaire’s Tax

What is the Massachusetts Millionaire Tax?

On November 8th, 2022 Massachusetts residents voted in favor of what is being referred to as the “Millionaire’s Tax.” The state amendment will go into effect starting in 2023 and will impact individuals and couples with taxable income over $1 million.

Taxable income up to $1 million will continue to be taxed at 5% (with short term capital gains remaining taxable at 12%). However, taxable income over $1 million will now be taxed at 9% (the current 5% tax rate plus the 4% millionaire’s tax). The $1 million threshold will be adjusted annually to account for inflation, similar to the yearly Federal tax bracket adjustments.
 

Let’s look at a few examples of common taxpayer situations to help explain the effects of this new tax: 

Scenario #1 – A Massachusetts couple earns $2 million in taxable income in 2023. Let’s assume that they don’t have any credits or deductions to keep this example simple and straight forward. Previously, this couple would owe $100,000 in state taxes ($2 million taxed at 5%). With the millionaire’s tax in effect, they will now owe $140,000 ($1 million taxed at 5% plus $1 million taxed at 9%).

Scenario #2 – A Massachusetts individual sells their primary residence, resulting in a $750,000 gain after expenses and gain exclusion ($250,000 for single taxpayer). Additionally, they earned $750,000 in taxable income. Let’s assume that they don’t have any credits or deductions to keep this example simple and straight forward. Previously, the individual would have owed $75,000 in state taxes ($1.5 million taxed at 5%). With the millionaire’s tax in effect, they will now owe $95,000 ($1 million taxed at 5% plus $500,000 taxed at 9%).

Scenario #3 – A Massachusetts business owner sells their company and receives $10 million in proceeds. Let’s assume that they don’t have any credits or deductions to keep this example simple and straight forward. Previously, the business owner would owe $500,000 in state taxes ($10 million taxed at 5%). With the millionaire’s tax in effect, they will now owe $860,000 ($1 million taxed at 5% plus $9 million taxed at 9%).

Massachusetts residents who could potentially be affected by the new millionaire’s tax may be seeking to find alternative tax strategies to minimize or avoid the tax’s impact. In some cases, it may make sense to accelerate income into 2022. If you would like to discuss the different planning tools that could best fit your tax situation, we encourage you to reach out to our office, we would be happy to help assist you.

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Tools & Resources

Internal Revenue Service

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Internal Revenue Service Payments

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Mass Dept. of Revenue

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Mass Tax Connect

Visit Mass Tax Connect Website →