Tax-Free Weekend in Massachusetts 2025: What to Know Before You Shop
Here's everything you need to know about the annual Massachusetts tax-free weekend sales tax holiday.
Kate Schubel
The Massachusetts tax-free weekend is a two-day event that allows shoppers to buy a wide variety of items without paying sales tax.
That can result in savings of $6.25 on every $100 spent on eligible purchases.
But not all items are tax-exempt during the Massachusetts sales tax holiday.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Massachusetts tax-free weekend
In a world where some sales tax holidays are going away, the Bay State’s tax-free weekend is still in place.
The 2025 sales tax holiday begins on Saturday, August 9, and runs through Sunday, August 10. While Massachusetts exempts more items from sales tax than many other states do during their tax holidays, some exclusions still apply.
For example, items must have been purchased for personal use to qualify.
That means if you wanted to shop for your business, you still have to pay sales tax during the tax-free period.
Additionally, some items are still taxable, even when purchased for personal use.
What qualifies for MA tax-free weekend?
Similar to other back-to-school tax-free weekends across the country, most retail items are tax-exempt.
However, clothing items must cost $175 or less to qualify, and other qualifying items must cost $2,500 or less to be tax-free.
The tax treatment for items that exceeded these price limitations is different.
- For individual clothing items that exceed $175, only the amount over $175 is taxable
- For individual clothing items that exceed $2,500, only the first $175 is tax-free
- For individual non-clothing items (for example, computers) that exceed $2,500, the entire amount is taxable
What items are excluded from the MA tax-free weekend?
Massachusetts’ tax-free weekend includes so many items that it’s easier to have a list of what doesn't qualify for the sales tax holiday than for what does.
Here are items that are still taxable during the tax holiday, regardless of price:
- Meals that are normally taxable (for example, from restaurants)
- Motor vehicles (including cars and motorboats)
- Gas, steam, and electricity
- Tobacco and marijuana products
- Alcoholic beverages
- Layaway sales
Rentals of eligible items are tax-free for up to 30 days if paid for in full between August 9 and August 10.
Massachusetts tax-free weekend for online shopping
Online purchases are included in the 2025 Massachusetts tax-free weekend, but there are a few rules you need to follow.
- You must place and pay for your order during the sales tax holiday.
- And items must be ordered during Eastern Daylight Time.
- Items didn't need to be delivered during the tax-free weekend to qualify as tax-free.
Does Amazon participate in Massachusetts’ tax-free weekend?
Amazon participates in sales tax holidays, including Massachusetts’ tax-free weekend.
According to the Amazon sales tax holidays webpage, tax was automatically calculated on taxable items.
So, you should have been able to tell what was taxable and what wasn’t before you placed your order.
For more information about Massachusetts' special tax holiday rules, shoppers can visit the state’s sales tax holiday FAQ webpage.
Related Content
-
We're 64 with $4.3 million and can't agree on when to retire.I want to retire now and pay for health insurance until we get Medicare. My wife says we should work 10 more months. Who's right?
-
Missed an RMD? How to Avoid That (and the Penalty) Next TimeIf you miss your RMDs, you could face a hefty fine. Here are four ways to stay on top of your payments — and on the right side of the IRS.
-
What Really Happens in the First 30 Days After Someone DiesThe administrative requirements following a death move quickly. This is how to ensure your loved ones won't be plunged into chaos during a time of distress.
-
3 Smart Ways to Spend Your Retirement Tax RefundRetirement Taxes With the new "senior bonus" hitting bank accounts this tax season, your retirement refund may be higher than usual. Here's how to reinvest those funds for a financially efficient 2026.
-
5 Retirement Tax Traps to Watch in 2026Retirement Even in retirement, some income sources can unexpectedly raise your federal and state tax bills. Here's how to avoid costly surprises.
-
First the Penny, Now the Nickel? The New Math Behind Your Sales Tax and TotalRounding Tax A new era of "Swedish rounding" hits U.S. registers soon. Learn why the nickel might be on the chopping block, and how to save money by choosing the right way to pay.
-
Over 65? Here's What the New $6K Senior Tax Deduction Means for Medicare IRMAATax Breaks A new tax deduction for people over age 65 has some thinking about Medicare premiums and MAGI strategy.
-
How to Open Your Kid's $1,000 Trump AccountTax Breaks Filing income taxes in 2026? You won't want to miss Form 4547 to claim a $1,000 Trump Account for your child.
-
In Arkansas and Illinois, Groceries Just Got Cheaper, But Not By MuchFood Prices Arkansas and Illinois are the most recent states to repeal sales tax on groceries. Will it really help shoppers with their food bills?
-
7 Bad Tax Habits to Kick Right NowTax Tips Ditch these seven common habits to sidestep IRS red flags for a smoother, faster 2026 income tax filing.
-
10 Cheapest Places to Live in ColoradoProperty Tax Looking for a cozy cabin near the slopes? These Colorado counties combine reasonable house prices with the state's lowest property tax bills.
