Massachusetts does indeed have some of the higher taxes in the country. With an income tax that has state tax, federal tax, and social security all taken out, it leaves most with around 2/3 of their original paycheck. That is one of the highest income tax rates in the United States.
There are also very high real estate taxes, and liquor taxes. Throught history, Massachusetts has always had high taxes. The tea tax is its finest example. This started the Boston Tea Party.