Tax-Free Weekend in Massachusetts 2024
Here's everything you need to know about the annual Massachusetts tax-free weekend.


Kate Schubel
Updated: The 2024 sales tax holiday in Massachusetts has ended.
The Massachusetts tax-free weekend was a two-day event that allowed shoppers to buy a wide variety of items without paying sales tax. That could have resulted in savings of $6.25 on every $100 spent on eligible purchases. But not all items were tax-exempt during the Massachusetts sales tax holiday.
Massachusetts tax-free weekend
In a world where some sales tax holidays are going away, the Bay State’s tax-free weekend still ran strong. The 2024 sales tax holiday began on Saturday, August 10, and ran through Sunday, August 11. While Massachusetts exempted more items from sales tax than many other states did during their tax holidays, exclusions still applied.
For example, items must have been purchased for personal use to qualify. That means if you wanted to shop for your business, you still had to pay sales tax during the tax-free period. Additionally, some purchases were still taxable, even when purchased for personal use.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-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.
What qualified for MA tax-free weekend?
Similar to other back-to-school tax-free weekends across the country, most retail items were tax-exempt. However, clothing items must have cost $175 or less to qualify, and other qualifying items must have cost $2,500 or less to be tax-free. The tax treatment for items that exceeded these price limitations was different.
- For individual clothing items that exceeded $175, only the amount over $175 was taxable
- For individual clothing items that exceeded $2,500, only the first $175 was tax-free
- For individual non-clothing items (for example, computers) that exceeded $2,500, the entire amount was taxable
What items were excluded from the MA tax-free weekend?
Massachusetts’ tax-free weekend included so many items that it’s easier to have a list of what didn't qualify for the sales tax holiday than for what did. Here are the items that were 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 were tax-free for up to 30 days if paid for in full between August 10 and August 11.
Massachusetts tax-free weekend for online shopping
Online purchases were included in the 2024 Massachusetts tax-free weekend, but there were a few rules you needed to follow. You must have placed and paid for your order during the sales tax holiday. And items must have been ordered during Eastern Daylight Time. Items didn't need to be delivered during the tax-free weekend to qualify as tax-free.
Did 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
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Katelyn has more than 6 years of experience working in tax and finance. While she specialized in tax content while working at Kiplinger from 2023 to 2024, Katelyn has also written for digital publications on topics including insurance, retirement, and financial planning and had financial advice commissioned by national print publications. She believes knowledge is the key to success and enjoys providing content that educates and informs.
- Kate SchubelTax Writer
-
Summer Programs for Kids at Risk Due to Trump Grant Funding Cuts
Tax Dollars Some after-school and summer programs may begin to cut back hours or shut down entirely due to federal cuts to volunteer programs.
-
Over 50 and Still Paying Student Loans? Here's Some Help
It's the club no one wants to join. But if you are over 50 and still paying student loans, there are ways to tackle both debt and retirement savings.
-
Homeschoolers Could Soon Save on Expenses With 529 Plans
Savings Accounts A new House GOP bill could change how you save for your child's homeschool education. Find out how.
-
Five ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Tax Changes to Watch in the Senate
Tax Policy The House passed its version of Trump’s "One Big, Beautiful Bill." Here’s what to look for as Senate Republicans take up the mega legislation.
-
New GOP Car Loan Tax Deduction: Which Vehicles and Buyers Qualify
Tax Breaks To fulfill Trump's campaign promise, House GOP lawmakers want to offer a tax deduction for car loan interest. How would it work?
-
Big GOP Tax Bill Could Change Your Estate Planning for 2025
Tax Law The GOP might extend and increase the higher estate and gift tax exemption and AMT thresholds. What might this mean for your estate plan?
-
Ten Cheapest Places To Live in New York
Property Tax If you’re planning a move in New York, here are the counties with the lowest property tax bills in the Empire State.
-
‘My Etsy Shop is Dead’: Vendors Cry for Help Amid Trump’s Tariffs
Tariffs Small businesses are struggling to thrive as they absorb the Trump administration’s new wave of tariffs.
-
Three Things Star Wars Fans Taught Me About Tax
Tax Tips May the force be with you and your taxes this Star Wars Day 2025.
-
Retirees: Don’t Miss These Valuable State Tax Breaks in 2025
Retirement Planning Selecting the right state for retirement can significantly impact your financial well-being.