MA Sales Tax Holiday Back For Summer 2026: Find Out When You Can Save

Bay Stater residents and visitors will once again get a break on the state's 6.25 percent sales tax for one weekend this summer in an effort to boost business during a traditionally slow shopping season.

The State Legislature approved the Sales Tax Holiday for Aug. 8 and Aug. 9.

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The sales tax will be waived for all individual — not business — purchases made that weekend up to $2,500 per item.

The exemption does not apply to meals, motor vehicles, motorboats, telecommunications services, gas, steam, electricity, tobacco products, marijuana and marijuana products or alcohol.

Qualifying items bought through Amazon or over the internet will have the sales tax waived for that weekend regardless of when it is delivered.

Layaway purchases do not qualify for the sales tax holiday.

All businesses must take part in the sales tax holiday if the business normally makes taxable sales and is open for business on Aug. 8 and Aug. 9.

Businesses that collect sales tax in error that weekend are responsible for refunding the amount to the consumer.