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CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (WBZNewsRadio) -- Massachusetts' annual sales tax holiday kicks off this weekend on Saturday, Aug. 13 and Sunday Aug. 14. During the weekend, retail items costing up to $2,500, purchased in the state for personal use, will be exempt from sales tax.
Usually the sales tax holiday means going big, buying something you've had your eye on for a while now. But inflation is leading to the deflation on enthusiasm among some residents.
"High gas prices, high food costs, no way, I don't think it's going to help people at all." A Cambridge man told WBZ's James Rojas.
"I dont think it's helping people, how much are you really saving anyway. I mean everything is so high priced in Massachusetts compared to say, New Hampshire." Another said.
So what can you buy this weekend and avoid that 6.25 percent sales tax? Shoppers in Massachusetts will be able to waive that tax for retail items costing up to $2,500 purchased for personal use.
There are several items that do not qualify for the tax break, according to the state. These include meals, motor vehicles, motorboats, telecommunications services, gas, steam, electricity, tobacco and marijuana products and alcoholic beverages.
There is another exception when it comes to clothing. Clothing items are generally exempt from the sales tax unless the item costs more than $175. For those items, only the amount over $175 is subject to tax.
When it comes to shopping online, 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.
WBZ NewsRadio's James Rojas (@JamesRojasNews) reports:
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