If you have some shopping to do, this weekend may be the best time to do it while saving a little money.
The Massachusetts sales tax holiday falls on Saturday and Sunday, giving consumers the opportunity to avoid paying that extra 6.25% at the register.
Here’s what to know before you go shopping on tax-free weekend:
What qualifies for the tax-free weekend?
People in Massachusetts will be able to buy up to $2,500 in retail items this Saturday and Sunday without paying sales tax. Items purchased must be for personal use. Items purchased for business use, or purchased by a business, are still subject to tax.
Online purchases are eligible for tax exemption, as long as they are made during tax exemption.
Are there things that are not eligible for tax exemption?
The Massachusetts Department of Revenue says that the tax-free weekend will not apply to the following list of items.
- Foods
- Motor vehicles
- motor boats
- telecommunication services
- Gas
- Steam
- Electricity
- tobacco products
- Dope
- Alcohol
- Any single item costing more than $2,500
More about the $2,500 limit
The Mass. DOR said any single item over $2,500 is taxable, and not just on the dollar amount over the limit.
However, if you purchase multiple items that cost less than $2,500 each, and the total exceeds that limit, you can still make the purchase tax-free.
What stores participate in the tax-free weekend?
All retailers in Massachusetts must be part of the tax exemption, if they are normally open on Saturdays and Sundays and offer taxable products for sale.
