Tax-Free Weekend in Massachusetts 2024
Here's everything you need to know about the annual Massachusetts tax-free weekend.
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
-
IRS Shakeup? What Trump's Commissioner Pick Could Mean for Taxes
IRS An unconventional nominee comes amid broader efforts to reshape the IRS and tax policy in 2025.
By Kelley R. Taylor Published
-
What's Better Than Investing in Crypto? These 'Boring' Picks
Cryptocurrency may be good for a thrill, but older investors are better off with assets like bonds, guaranteed annuities, CDs and maybe dividend-paying stocks.
By Ken Nuss Published
-
Are You a Renter? You Could Save on Taxes
Tax Breaks With these tax savings at your fingertips, rent may be more affordable
By Kate Schubel Last updated
-
2025 Open Enrollment: DACA Recipients Can Purchase Affordable Care Act Health Insurance
Open Enrollment Over 100,000 people are newly eligible to purchase health insurance from the federal marketplace. Here's what you need to know.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
Holiday Office Party Taxes: Know Before You Go
Tax Tips The IRS could tax your gifts from Christmas raffles, Secret Santa, and White Elephant. Here’s how.
By Kate Schubel Last updated
-
New Mexico Small Business Saturday Tax Holiday 2024
Tax Holiday Here's how you can save on taxes during New Mexico’s Small Business Saturday.
By Kate Schubel Last updated
-
Holiday Shopping Tax Tips for Business Owners
Tax Deductions Before hitting the sales, businesses should know these key deductions and look out for overspending.
By Kate Schubel Last updated
-
Tax Credit vs. Tax Deduction: What’s the Difference?
Tax Breaks Your guide to tax deductions and credits, how the IRS treats them differently, and how they impact your tax bill.
By Kate Schubel Published
-
Premium Tax Credit: Are You Eligible For This Health Insurance Tax Break?
Tax Credits The tax credit can help qualifying individuals pay for coverage from the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplace.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
FSA Contribution Limits Are Higher for 2025
FSA A flexible spending account allows you to build tax-free savings for certain medical expenses.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published