MA Sales Tax Holiday Weekend Returns: How You Can Save, What Is Exempt

The chance to save on the Bay State's 6.25 percent sales tax is coming up next weekend in the annual effort to boost business during a traditionally slow shopping season.

Those purchasing most items normally taxed in Massachusetts can save the tax on items bought on Aug. 8 and Aug. 9.

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The savings applies to items processed that weekend — including those bought online — with some exceptions.

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.