Mass. Tax Free Weekend Excludes This In 2025

Massachusetts’ annual sales tax holiday is scheduled for August 9-10, 2025. This offers shoppers a chance to purchase most retail items under $2,500 for personal use without the state’s 6.25% sales tax.

This event, which became law in 2018, boosts local businesses, (that's the goal, anyway), and provides financial relief, especially for back-to-school shopping, electronics, and appliances.

The tax-free weekend applies to both in-store and online purchases made during Eastern Daylight Time, with no tax due even if delivery occurs later.

Included Items: Most personal property priced at $2,500 or less per item qualifies. This includes:

• School Supplies: Backpacks, notebooks, calculators, and writing instruments.

• Appliances and Furniture: Refrigerators, washers, dryers, sofas, and mattresses.

• Sporting Goods: Bicycles, treadmills, and fitness equipment.

• Clothing: Items under $175 are fully exempt; for items over $175, only the amount above $175 is taxed.

Excluded Items: Certain items remain taxable, regardless of price:

• Meals: Prepared food from restaurants or takeout.

• Motor Vehicles and Motorboats: Cars, motorcycles, boats, and jet skis.

• Utilities: Gas, electricity, and steam.

• Tobacco and Marijuana Products: Cigarettes, cigars, and cannabis-related items.

• Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and spirits.

• Telecommunications Services: Phone and internet plans.

• Items Over $2,500: The entire purchase price is taxable if a single item exceeds this threshold. -mass.gov

Layaway sales and business purchases are not eligible, but rentals of qualifying items (up to 30 days, paid in full during the weekend) are tax-free, excluding motor vehicles and motorboats. Retailers must participate, and any tax charged in error must be refunded.