2019’s Property Taxes by State. Depending on where you live, property taxes can be a small inconvenience or a major burden. The average American household spends $2,279 on property taxes for their homes each year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and residents of the 27 states with vehicle property taxes shell out another $440. Tax Rate Remains the Same for 2017 The Massachusetts personal income tax rate will remain at 5.1% in 2017 because Massachusetts failed to meet certain economic benchmarks set by the Legislature in 2002. The benchmarks are based on growth in tax revenues. Voted in by Massachusetts residents in 1980, and taking effect in 1982, "Prop 2 1/2" greatly stablized residential property tax rates, and therefore property taxes, accross the state. Prior to the passage of the state-wide Proposition 2 1/2, towns and cites had much more flexability in establishing their tax rates each year.