Does Massachusetts have a tax-free weekend?
Quick answer
Yes. Massachusetts runs a sales tax holiday: Statewide weekend holiday in August on most retail items under $2,500. Qualifying purchases skip the full combined rate, which runs 6.25% in covered Massachusetts metros.
Holiday dates and qualifying item lists are set by statute and can change year to year. Massachusetts Department of Revenue publishes the official list before each holiday, including per-item price caps and whether local jurisdictions must participate.
Rule summary
How Massachusetts treats each category.
| Recurring holiday | Statewide weekend holiday in August on most retail items under $2,500. |
|---|---|
| Normal combined rate | 6.25% |
| Clothing exemption | Under $175 per item, year-round |
| Grocery exemption | Year-round |
This page summarizes the general rule. Every state writes exceptions for specific products, and local jurisdictions can differ from the state treatment. Confirm your situation with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue or a tax professional before relying on it for filing.
Combined rates in Massachusetts
What a taxable purchase actually costs in Massachusetts.
Frequently asked
Answers pulled from the same rule set.
- Does Massachusetts have a tax-free weekend?
- Yes — Massachusetts runs a sales tax holiday: Statewide weekend holiday in August on most retail items under $2,500.
- Do local taxes still apply during a Massachusetts sales tax holiday?
- It depends on the statute. Some states require every local jurisdiction to participate; others let cities opt out and keep charging their local share. Massachusetts Department of Revenue publishes the participating jurisdictions each year.
More Massachusetts guides
Other Massachusetts rules that change the total.