Tax-Free Weekend in Massachusetts 2025: What to Know Before You Shop

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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.

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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.

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.

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