Massachusetts sales tax holiday weekend is underway: What to know

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – A tax-free weekend in Massachusetts has begun on Saturday, which is a great opportunity for shoppers to purchase big-ticket items, like appliances.

The tax-free weekend this year takes place on Saturday, August 10, and Sunday, August 11, in Massachusetts according to Mass.gov . During this weekend, most retail items of up to $2,500, purchased for personal use will be exempt from a 6.25 percent sales tax.

Certain items do not qualify for the tax-free weekend, such as:

• Meals
• Motor vehicles
• Motorboats
• Telecommunications services
• Gas
• Steam
• Electricity
• Tobacco products
• Marijuana or marijuana products
• Alcoholic beverages, and
• Any single item whose price is more than $2,500.

An item of clothing is exempt from the sales tax unless the piece of clothing costs more than $175. For items that cost more than $175, the amount over $175 is only subject to tax.

But what does this mean for internet sales? Any item will qualify for the tax exemption if you order and pay for an eligible item over the Internet during the tax-free weekend and during Eastern Daylight Time.

No sales tax is due on that purchase, even if the delivery occurs after the sales tax holiday weekend. Layaway sales do not qualify during the tax-free weekend. In Massachusetts, all retailers must take part in the sales tax holiday. If you are taxed in error during the weekend, the business is responsible for giving you a refund of that tax you paid.

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