‘More money in my pocket is a no-brainer’: Readers weigh in on proposed income tax cut

A proposal to lower Massachusetts’ income tax rate from 5% to 4% could land on the state’s November ballot — and if a Boston.com poll is any indication, many residents are ready to vote yes.

More than 200 readers responded to our poll asking whether they would support a ballot question to reduce the state income tax rate. Seventy-eight percent said they would vote in favor, while 20% said they would not, and a small handful said they were unsure.

The proposal, put forward by James Stergios of the Pioneer Institute, a right-leaning Boston think tank, would phase in the tax cut over three years starting January 1, 2027. 

A recent analysis from Tufts University’s Center for State Policy Analysis estimates it would reduce state tax revenue by roughly $5.1 billion per year — about a 10% overall decline — while saving the median Massachusetts household around $1,250 annually. 

Those savings, however, vary widely by income: residents earning under $25,000 a year would see about $69 back, while households earning over $1 million would save more than $37,000.

Gov. Maura Healey has come out firmly against the measure, calling it “a terrible thing to do” for the state’s finances and arguing it would undermine Massachusetts’ economic competitiveness. 

Supporters, meanwhile, contend the state has a spending problem — not a revenue one — and that residents deserve to keep more of what they earn.

That divide was on full display in reader responses.

“The State budget will take a hit, but it is bloated with unnecessary spending. More money in my pocket is a no brainer,” reader K.T. from Hopkinton said.

Rose from Westford agreed: “The state takes too much of our hard-earned money. They can learn to budget more responsibly.”

Others pointed to rising costs closer to home. “I need all that and more to try and pay for energy bills,” said Ray from Easton, who described the cut as “a stimulus without spending.”

But some readers raised alarm bells about what a cut could mean for state programs funded by the income tax revenue.

“I value the programs that the state makes available, I don’t want to see them cut,” Matthew S. from Cambridge said. 

C.H.P. from Northampton put it more bluntly: “Most schools are starving for cash as-is. And who in this state would describe the roads as being in great condition?”

Here’s what else readers had to say.

Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.

Would you support a ballot question to reduce the state’s income tax?

Yes, I would support it

“Massachusetts continues to hemorrhage residents to other states due its relentless pursuit of revenue and unwillingness to control spending. This governor only talks about new spending initiatives and exactly zero about reducing the cost of government. There is no compassion for struggling families. It is about time to give residents a break and allow them to keep more of their hard earned money. I have a home in NH as well as MA and this might keep me from jumping ship.” — Pete, Newburyport

“I am a strong believer in the ability of the government to help lift people up, and it requires taxes to achieve that. But Massachusetts’ problem is not lack of revenue, it suffers from poor fiscal discipline and oversight. Time and again we see wasteful spending of taxpayer money … The only option left is to restrict their revenue until they trim the largesse.” — Anonymous reader, Quincy

“I believe the lack of fiscal responsibility and oversight is the main driver for our inability to fund programs the way the public elects politicians to allocate funding. Instead of just increasing taxes we need to take a hard look at what is being funded and determine if the decisions made that drive budget accountability actually makes Massachusetts better.” — Brian R., Quincy

“We live in a state that does not take care of its average middle-class household. I moved to NH for a year and came back. I felt for once that I was making a lot of money; no income tax saved me around $5L that year. Ever since I came back, it took me multiple raises to reach what I was bringing home before … Let’s give our working citizens back some money.” — Tyler W., North Reading

“I believe the individual should have more control over how their money is spent, not the government using it to fund programs that many do not benefit from or outright disagree with. Massachusetts has a spending problem, not a revenue problem, and needs to work to actually reign in spending, not levy additional taxes on the already overburdened residents of the state.” — Larry F., South Shore

“Government spending is out of control at every level. There is no accountability. The state could easily operate on a 10-15 percent budget cut with no meaningful reduction in services that are actually needed.” — Bryan M., Boston

“Our state government has not been transparent about its expenses, which can only mean it has something to hide. The government has completely lost taxpayers’ trust. Individuals and businesses are leaving. Enough is enough. No taxation without representation – the state does not deserve anymore of our hard-earned income.” — J.C., Andover

No, I would not support it

“I like public services. I like investing in our communities and infrastructure. Our tax rate is currently quite fair, in my opinion. I’m fortunate to have a job that pays well and I wouldn’t mind paying a little more in taxes if we could cut the taxes for the lowest earners in the state.” — Jonathan B., Newburyport

“That is too drastic a reduction in state income that funds critical budget initiatives. Yes, there are legitimate concerns about how efficiently the state budget is allocated and spent, and the legislature should be audited. But this size cut is much too blunt a policy shift that would likely come with severe, unintended consequences.” — Jake, Salem

“No. I’d save what, $100 a month? That isn’t worth it to me to have even more cuts to programs. Taxes go to things we all need, and to me it’s like a Costco membership – you buy in bulk things that literally everyone in the state needs, and it ends up being cheaper and better for everyone. I’d rather have slightly higher taxes and have better public services.

Even if I don’t use one directly, such as public schools (I don’t have kids, and am not planning to ever have kids) – the fact that kids are getting an education benefits me. I don’t own a car, yet I’d rather have better roads, etc. I’m happy to keep paying taxes. It keeps services going that keep us all safer and better off, and ultimately saves us all money when everyone pays into the system.” — Kat, Fenway

Annie Jonas is a Community writer at Boston.com. She was previously a local editor at Patch and a freelancer at the Financial Times.