Massachusetts Tax Free Weekend: Saturday, August 12th to Sunday, August 13th

Image by Recon Cycles at Flickr

One weekend every year, Massachusetts has a sales tax holiday for purchases for personal use (opposed to business use). That weekend is upon us now. With some exclusions, most items can be purchased tax-free, in-person or online in Massachusetts.

Shopping tax-free this weekend may help relieve some of the guilt that we feel in spending too much for certain items. Make an early purchase now and save a little money on that must-have, wear-once Halloween costume. Stocking up on disposable diapers and soon-to-be-outgrown baby gear also makes sense this weekend.

Jewelry, furniture, and sports equipment are also possibilities. Purchasing computers and accessories and appliances that are at or below $2,500 this weekend can result in some good savings. Anyone need to buy a tablet computer or update an old smartphone?

Thinking ahead now can help save on the snowblower you have been meaning to purchase. The end of summer also means the end of summer vacation. Consider whether you need school and office supplies.

 Is the item you want not available in the store, or will you be out of the state this weekend? Not to fear - the tax-free holiday also applies to online purchases that are made in Massachusetts.

Not everything is tax-free, however. Excluded from the tax-free holiday are:

• any single item priced over $2,500
• meals
• motor vehicles
• motor boats
• telecommunications services
• gas
• steam
• electricity
• tobacco products
• marijuana or marijuana products
• alcoholic beverages

Any Massachusetts business making a normally taxable sale during this weekend is obligated to sell eligible items tax-free. Shoppers who are mistakenly charged sales tax can provide a receipt or proof of purchase to the business and ask for a refund.

Find additional information and FAQ's about Massachusetts's sales tax holiday here.

Updated 8/9/2023 at 12:38 p.m. This article was originally published by Westwood Minute on August 13, 2021 and has been edited for republication.