Massachusetts's 2025 Tax-Free Shopping Event: Essential Information Before You Hit the Stores
Massachusetts Residents to Enjoy a Tax-Free Weekend on August 9-10, 2025
Get ready, Massachusetts residents! The annual tax-free weekend is just around the corner, taking place on August 9-10, 2025. During this two-day event, you can save on a variety of items, but there are some exclusions to keep in mind.
What's Included in the Tax-Free Weekend?
The Massachusetts tax-free weekend applies to a wide range of items, including clothing and certain accessories priced at $175 or less per item. If you're buying multiple items, their combined total can exceed $175, and you'll still benefit from the tax exemption. However, for individual items that cost more than $175, only the amount over $175 is taxable.
What's Not Included in the Tax-Free Weekend?
Unfortunately, not all items are tax-exempt during the sales tax holiday. Meals and prepared food, motor vehicles, motorboats, telecommunications services, gas, steam, electricity, tobacco products, marijuana and marijuana products, and alcoholic beverages are still taxable. Layaway sales are also not eligible for the exemption.
Price Limitations
For individual clothing items that exceed $175, only the amount over $175 is taxable. For items costing more than $2,500, the entire purchase amount is subject to sales tax, not just the amount exceeding $2,500. However, if you buy multiple items each costing $2,500 or less, you can combine them without paying tax, even if their total exceeds $2,500.
Additional Notes
The tax exemption applies only to personal use purchases, not to items bought for business purposes. Online purchases are included in the Massachusetts tax-free weekend, but they must be placed and paid for during the sales tax holiday and during Eastern Daylight Time. Rentals of eligible items are tax-free for up to 30 days if paid for in full between August 9 and August 10, as long as the items are not motor vehicles or meals from restaurants.
In summary, the Massachusetts tax-free weekend offers a great opportunity to save on eligible items. By being aware of the excluded items and price limitations, you can make the most of this tax-saving event. Happy shopping!
[1] Massachusetts Department of Revenue [2] MassLive [3] Boston.com [5] WCVB
During the Massachusetts tax-free weekend on August 9-10, 2025, you can save on eligible clothing and accessories priced at $175 or less per item. However, if you're buying personal-finance items like motor vehicles, motorboats, or alcoholic beverages, they will not be tax-exempt.
