Here’s a closer look at how you can benefit from the tax-free weekend.

Quick Takeaways:

  • Dates: August 9–10, 2025
  • Benefit: No sales tax on most items ≤ $2,500
  • Exclusions: Alcohol, meals, cars, boats, energy, and more
  • Online Purchases: Any qualifying purchase made online can qualify if made during the sales tax window
  • Other states have similar tax-free holidays - see the full list below

What is the Sales Tax Holiday in Massachusetts?

Shoppers going out in Massachusetts on August 9th and 10th will not have to pay the 6.25% sales tax on certain individual items costing $2,500 or less. Please note that certain exclusions apply (see below). 

What Purchases Qualify for the Tax Holiday?

Retail items costing $2,500 or less bought for personal use by individuals qualify.

Keep in mind that purchases by corporations or purchases by individuals for business use do not qualify and remain subject to sales tax.

What Purchases do not Qualify for the Tax Holiday?

In addition to business expenses, the following retail items do not qualify for the tax holiday:

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

Do Internet Purchases Qualify for the Tax Exemption?

Items purchased over the internet do qualify for the tax exemption as long as they are purchased on August 9th or 10th during Eastern Daylight time.

What About Rentals, do They Qualify?

If you rent an item that qualifies for the sales tax holiday exemption, the tax break applies to rentals lasting 30 days or less, as long as the full rental payment is made during the holiday weekend.

Note: The exemption does not apply to rentals of motor vehicles or motorboats.

Do Other States Have Tax Free Holidays Coming Up?

StateDatesEligible Items
ArkansasAugust 2-3Clothing < $100, accessories < $50, school supplies, electronics (no cap)
ConnecticutAugust 17-23Clothing & footwear < $100
FloridaAugust 1-31Clothing ≤ $100, school supplies ≤ $50, computers ≤ $1,500
 Sept 8-Dec 31Outdoor gear: hunting, fishing, camping items
IowaAugust 1-2Clothing & footwear ≤ $100
LouisianaSept 5-7Firearms, ammunition, and hunting supplies (no cap)
MarylandAugust 9-10Clothing and footwear ≤  $100, backpacks (first $40)
MassachusettsAugust 9-10Most retail items ≤  $2,500 (excludes vehicles, meals, rentals >30 days, etc.)
MississippiAugust 29-31Firearms, ammunition, hunting supplies, and firearm safety equipment excluding safes (no cap)
MissouriAugust 1-3Clothing ≤ $100, school supplies ≤ $50, computers ≤ $1,500
NevadaOctober 31-Nov 2National Guard–related purchases (refund-based)
OhioAugust 1-14Tangible goods ≤ $500/item (broad exemption)
OklahomaAugust 1-3Clothing & Footwear < $100
South CarolinaAugust 1-3Clothing, school/office supplies, computers, bedding, etc. (no price cap)
TexasAugust 8-10Clothing and footwear (less than $100 per item) and school supplies and backpacks (less than $100 per item)
VirginiaAugust 1-3Clothing ≤ $100, school supplies ≤ $20, hurricane prep & energy-saving items
West VirginiaAugust 1-4Clothing ≤ $125, school supplies ≤ $50, computers ≤ $500, instruction materials

FAQs- MA Tax Free Weekend 

  1. Do I need to be a Massachusetts resident to take advantage of the tax holiday? No. Anyone shopping in Massachusetts (in-store or online) can benefit, as long as the purchase is made during the holiday window.
  2. What happens if I return a tax-free item after the holiday? The return policy is the same, but the sales tax exemption still applies as long as the original purchase was made during the holiday.
  3. Does the $2,500 limit apply to my total purchase or per item? The limit applies per item. For example, two $2,000 items would both be exempt.
  4. Can I split payments (e.g., deposit now, balance later) and still get the exemption? No. The entire amount must be paid during the holiday weekend to qualify for the exemption.