Massachusetts tax free weekend: everything you need to know

Great news for everyone planning a bigger purchase who wants to avoid sales tax: The Massachusetts annual sales tax holiday will be here this weekend! 

When is tax free weekend in Massachusetts?

Tax free weekend is this coming weekend. On Saturday, August 12 and Sunday, August 13, most retail items of up to $2,500 that are purchased in Massachusetts for personal use, will be exempt from sales tax. The holiday weekend was made permanent in 2018 in an effort to boost small business and get people out shopping. 

What can I buy during tax free weekend in Massachusetts and not pay taxes?

This is the time to shop for those back-to-school and electronics purchases. This is a great weekend to pick up that new laptop, tablet or game system you’ve been budgeting for. Other big ticket (but not over $2,500) purchases to consider are wedding and bridesmaid dresses, a new suit, furniture, jewelry, workout equipment (like that Peloton bike you’ve been eyeing) and remember, while the mechanic will still charge you, car parts aren’t taxed during the sales tax holiday.

Do online purchases count during the sales tax holiday?

If you buy an item or items online, they’ll qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption as long as you make your purchase during the sales tax holiday, during Eastern Daylight Time. Basically, after midnight on Sunday, you’re out of luck. 

No sales tax will be due, even if delivery of the item occurs after the sales tax holiday weekend, but keep an eye on the tax total when you checkout as some smaller retailers may not be aware. Besides, the idea is to shop local, so get out there and give some money to Massachusetts small business owners!

What’s still taxable?

The state notes that the following items are taxable and do not qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption:

• Meals
• Motor vehicles
• Motorboats
• Telecommunications services
• Gas
• Steam
• Electricity
• Tobacco products
• Marijuana or marijuana products
• Alcoholic beverages, and
• Any single item whose price is more than $2,500.

For more information about the annual sales tax holiday, head to Mass.gov. And for some ideas on local retailers to support perhaps check out this chic shop in the Boston Seaport or read our guide to the best places to go shopping in Boston.