Summer is almost over, and the back-to-school season looms, growing ever closer. But there’s a bright spot for residents of Massachusetts — the Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend.
So that you can plan your back-to-school shopping haul (or just your regular shopping haul), here’s what you need to know about tax-free weekend in MA.
When is Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend 2023?
Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend 2023 will take place on Aug. 12 and Aug. 13. During that window, you’ll pay no sales tax when shopping for select items.
This two-day event is eagerly awaited by both consumers and retailers alike, as it provides a significant boost to the state’s economy and encourages spending during a typically slow shopping period.
What is Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend?
Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend is an annual event during which the state suspends its sales tax on certain eligible items. The aim is to offer shoppers a brief reprieve from the burden of sales tax, which can range from 6.25% to 7%, depending on the locality.
What’s Included in Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend?
The short answer: almost everything! While other states have very specific categories and price thresholds for their sales-tax holidays, Massachusetts keeps it simple:
- Most retail items of up to $2,500 are exempt from sales tax!
And that limit is PER ITEM, not per cart. So you can potentially load up your shopping cart and avoid sales tax on … pretty much anything, as long as it’s less than $2,500.
Buy clothing, electronics, every single kids’ school supply list, furniture … really, this is a fantastic tax-free holiday. We suggest saving big-ticket items (under $2,500 each) for the MA tax-free weekend. Think computers and home goods.
What’s Not included in Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend?
OK … there are some limits. While Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend offers enticing savings on many items, there are specific categories that do not qualify for the sales tax exemption. Some of the main exclusions include:
- Vehicles: The tax exemption does not apply to the purchase of cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats or any other motor vehicles. Buyers should be aware that they are still required to pay the standard sales tax when purchasing a vehicle in Massachusetts.
- Tobacco and Marijuana Products: Items like cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products, as well as marijuana and marijuana-related products, remain subject to sales tax and are not eligible for the exemption.
- Restaurant Meals: Purchases made at restaurants or fast-food establishments are not covered by the tax exemption. Sales tax will still be applicable to dining out during the tax-free weekend.
- And more. See a full list of restrictions.
Is Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend Online?
Yes. Tax will be deducted on eligible items if your shipping address in in Massachusetts. But you need to pay for it during the MA sales-tax holiday. If you’re shopping online, make sure to stack your tax-free discount with our cash back offers.
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