The highly anticipated tax free weekend MA event is taking place on Saturday, August 9, and Sunday, August 10, 2025. During these two days, Massachusetts residents can enjoy a break from the state’s usual 6.25% sales tax on most retail items priced under $2,500. This annual sales tax holiday has become a much-awaited occasion for shoppers looking to save on a wide variety of goods.
This year’s tax free weekend was officially designated by the Massachusetts Legislature, with bipartisan support from Senator Adam Gómez and Representative Carole A. Fiola. The law making the sales tax holiday permanent requires the Legislature to set the dates annually, ensuring this event remains a reliable opportunity for consumers and local businesses alike.
Key Points Summary:
- Sales tax holiday dates: August 9-10, 2025
- Applicable to retail items priced $2,500 or less
- Sales tax of 6.25% waived during the holiday
- Only for personal use purchases, not for business
- Qualifying items include online orders made during the holiday period
- Exclusions: meals, motor vehicles, tobacco, alcohol, utilities, and items priced above $2,500
During the tax free weekend MA, shoppers can purchase a wide array of goods—from clothing and school supplies to electronics and household items—without paying the state’s sales tax. This applies to purchases made in physical stores as well as online orders placed within Eastern Daylight Time during the weekend. Importantly, even if an online purchase is delivered after the holiday, it still qualifies for the tax exemption as long as the transaction occurred during the two-day period.
While the tax break covers many items, several categories remain taxable. Meals, motor vehicles and boats, tobacco products, marijuana, alcoholic beverages, telecommunications services, utilities such as gas and electricity, and any item costing more than $2,500 do not qualify for the exemption. Additionally, sales made on layaway plans are not eligible for the tax holiday.
Retailers across the state must participate if they usually sell taxable tangible property and are open during the holiday weekend. This collective participation ensures shoppers have broad access to tax-free deals. Furthermore, rental items that qualify for the exemption also are eligible during this weekend, provided the rental is paid in full on August 9 or 10, though motor vehicles and boats are excluded from rental exemptions as well.
This sales tax holiday offers a vital boost to both consumers and local businesses, helping families save money while stimulating economic activity. Senate President Karen E. Spilka emphasized the importance of the holiday in these times of economic uncertainty, highlighting its role in supporting communities across Massachusetts.
For Massachusetts shoppers, being prepared can maximize the benefit of the tax free weekend MA. Planning purchases ahead, knowing which items qualify, and taking advantage of online and in-store offerings can result in significant savings.
As the tax free weekend MA kicks off, residents are encouraged to take full advantage of this opportunity, whether stocking up on essentials or making desired purchases, all while lowering their costs by avoiding sales tax on qualifying items.
Enjoy the savings and benefits of Massachusetts’ annual sales tax holiday, and be sure to share your shopping finds or questions below to help fellow shoppers make the most of this event!
