Photo: WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — This weekend is the annual sales tax holiday in Massachusetts.
On Saturday, Aug. 9, and Sunday, Aug. 10, the state's 6.25% sales tax will be suspended for most retail purchases under $2,500.
A 2018 state law made the sales tax holiday a permanent staple for Massachusetts. For those interested in the savings, the sales tax break doesn't apply to all products, but shoppers can save money on clothes, shoes, school supplies, electronics, and more.
The tax-free weekend is expected to stimulate the local economy and support small businesses. According to the Department of Revenue, the 2024 sales tax holiday generated more than $3 million in indirect tax revenues.
But not all Massachusetts residents are excited for the sales tax break.
"I think it should happen all the time. I don't think it should just be offered for a weekend or a week. I think we're way overtaxed either way," remarked Al of Medford.
April, a local resident, said she is not enticed by the tax holiday to buy things like shoes, school supplies, furniture, sporting goods, and electronics because she "already has all those things."
The following items are still taxable and do not qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption:
- Meals
- Motor vehicles
- Motorboats
- Telecommunications services
- Gas
- Steam
- Electricity
- Tobacco products
- Marijuana or marijuana products
- Alcoholic beverages
- Any single item whose price is more than $2,500.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.