global Tax Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend 2026: What Qualifies for the Sales Tax Holiday? July 22, 2026 Attention Massachusetts shoppers…get your back-to-school shopping done August 8th and 9th this year! Read on to see what purchases are tax-free during the tax holiday. Quick Takeaways Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend is August 8–9, 2026. Most retail purchases of $2,500 or less per item are exempt from the 6.25% Massachusetts sales tax. Online purchases also qualify if they are made during the tax holiday. The exemption only applies to individuals. Businesses are still subject to tax.Items costing more than $2,500, meals, motor vehicles, alcohol, tobacco products, and certain other purchases remain taxable. Rhode Island does not currently offer a sales tax holiday. Why it mattersFor families preparing for the school year, Massachusetts' annual Sales Tax Holiday can provide meaningful savings on clothing, computers, electronics, school supplies, furniture, and other qualifying purchases. Understanding the tax rules before you shop can help you avoid unexpected sales tax and maximize your savings.What is the sales tax holiday?In 2018, Massachusetts established an annual tax-free holiday for one weekend each year. Shoppers will benefit from another tax-free weekend from Saturday August 8th through Sunday August 9th, 2026. On August 8th and 9th 2026, MA shoppers will not have to pay the 6.25% sales tax on individual items costing $2,500 or less, provided the items are not listed below under “purchases not eligible.”Note:You can purchase single items of tangible personal property costing $2,500 or less tax-free but will still have to pay tax (in full) on a single item costing more than $2,500.For example, the 6.25% tax would apply to the full price of a $3,000 TV, not just the $500 that exceeds the $2,500 threshold.Do online purchases qualify?Online purchases in the state will also be free of sales tax, provided they are purchased on August 8th and 9th.Rentals of up to 30 days are also eligible for the holiday, provided they are not ineligible items (see below) and the rental must be paid in full on the holiday weekend.Are any purchases not eligible?The tax-free holiday waives the state’s sales and use tax for most retail purchases, but there are several exceptions.The following items will still be subject to tax during the tax-free weekend:Any items more than $2,500MealsTobacco products, marijuana products and alcoholic beveragesMotor vehiclesMotorboatsPayments for utilities (like gas, steam and electricity)Telecommunication servicesThe tax holiday only applies to individuals who are buying items for personal use. Businesses and corporations, as well as individuals making purchases for business use, will still be required to pay sales tax.Does RI have a tax-free weekend?RI does not currently have any scheduled sales tax holidays.Do other states have a tax-free weekend or holiday?Upcoming sales tax holidays in other states for clothing and school supplies are listed below. Please visit the Departments of Revenue links below for full details including qualifying items, thresholds and limitations.Alabama- July 17-19Arkansas- August 1-2Connecticut- August 16-22Florida- July 20-August 20Iowa- August 7-8Maryland- August 9-15Mississippi- July 10-12Missouri- August 7-9New Mexico- July 31- August 2Ohio- August 7-9Oklahoma- August 7-9South Carolina- August 7-9Tennessee- July 31- August 2Texas- August 7-9Virginia- August 7-9West Virginia- July 31- August 3Whether you're buying school supplies, clothing, electronics, or household items, understanding the eligibility rules can help you maximize your savings and avoid surprises at checkout. Planning ahead and knowing which purchases qualify can make the most of this annual tax-free weekend.
