Massachusetts Tax Free Weekend is Here: August 14th - August 15th

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 update an old smartphone?

It may be summer now, but the weather in Massachusetts will turn quickly from cool to cold. Thinking ahead now can help save on the snowblower you have been meaning to purchase. Out of season and not in stock? Not to fear - the tax-free holiday also applies to online purchases.

The end of summer also means the end of summer vacation. Timely purchases can also include school and office supplies.

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
• price of clothing above $175 (a piece of clothing that is more than $175 is tax-free for the first $175).

Any 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 to the business and ask for a refund.

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

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