What are the Dates?
In 2024, the sales tax holiday will be on Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11.
What qualifies?
The sales tax holiday applies only to eligible retail items bought for personal use by individuals.
What is taxed on this holiday?
Purchases by corporations or other businesses.
Purchases by individuals for business use.
What retail items do not qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption?
Meals
Motor vehicles
Motorboats
Telecommunications services
Steam
Electricity
Tobacco products
Marijuana or marijuana products
Alcoholic beverages, and
Any single item whose price is more than $2,500.
What about internet sales? Do those sales qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption?
Yes. An item will qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption if you order and pay for an eligible item over the internet:
On the sales tax holiday and During Eastern Daylight Time.
No sales tax is due on that purchase, even if delivery of the item occurs after the sales tax holiday weekend.
Do all retailers have to participate in the sales tax holiday?
Yes. All businesses must take part in the sales tax holiday
Is there a limit to the retail value to which the sales tax holiday exemption applies?
Yes. The sales tax holiday exemption is limited to eligible sales of items costing $2,500 or less.
What if I spend more than $2,500 on an item?
If you spend more than $2,500 on an item, the entire amount paid for the item is subject to sales tax, not just the amount that exceeds that threshold.
What if I purchase multiple items that each cost $2,500 or less, but the total price is more than $2,500? Are all items eligible for the sales tax holiday exemption?
If the price of each individual item is $2,500 or less, you can combine as many items as you want, tax-free, even if the combined items cost more than $2,500.
Source: Mass.gov
