Good news, Massachusetts….tax free weekend returns for 2023! In 2018, the state established an annual tax free holiday for one weekend each year. Shoppers will benefit from another tax free weekend from Saturday August 12th through Sunday August 13th 2023.

More about the sales tax holiday

On August 12^th and 13^th 2023, MA shoppers will not have to pay the 6.25% sales tax on individual items costing $2,500 or less, provided they 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.

Online purchases in the state will also be free of sales tax, provided they are purchased on August 12^th and 13^th.

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 a number of exceptions.

The following items will still be subject to tax during the tax-free weekend:

• Any items more than $2,500

• Meals

• Tobacco products, marijuana products and alcoholic beverages

• Motor vehicles

• Motorboats

• Payments for utilities (like gas, steam and electricity)

• Layaway sales

• Telecommunication services

The tax holiday only applies to individuals who are buying items for personal use. All businesses and corporations purchases and individuals making purchases for business use will still have to pay sales tax.

Does RI have a tax free weekend?

RI does not currently have any scheduled sales tax holidays.

Upcoming sales tax holidays in other states (visit their Departments of Revenue for full details including relevant items, thresholds and limitations—linked here):

• Arkansas- August 5-6^th
• Connecticut- August 20^th-26^th
• Florida- varies by category
• Iowa- August 4^th-5^th
• Maryland- August 13^th-19^th
• Missouri- August 4^th-6^th
• Nevada- October 27^th-29^th
• New Jersey- August 26^th- September 4^th
• New Mexico- August 4^th-6^th
• Ohio- August 4^th-6^th
• Oklahoma- August 4^th-6^th
• South Carolina- August 4^th-6^th
• Tennessee- August 1^st- October 31^st (Food Only)
• Texas- August 11^th- 13^th
• West Virginia- August 4^th-7^th

Questions on Massachusetts’ tax free weekend? Reach out to our State and Local Tax Services Team. Happy shopping!