Massachusetts sets date for 2024 tax-free weekend

Credit Card Reform Legislation Would Tighten Rules On Rates And Fees MIAMI - MAY 20: Alain Filiz shows off some of his credit cards as he pays for items at Lorenzo's Italian Market on May 20, 2009 in Miami, Florida. Members of Congress today passed a bill placing new restrictions on companies that issues credit. The vote follows the Senate passage of the bill, which now heads for President Obama's promised signature. The bill will curb sudden interest rate increases and hidden fees, requiring card companies to tell customers of rate increases 45 days in advance. It will also make it harder for people aged below 21 to be issued credit cards. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

By Bryan Lambert

Mark your calendars, the dates for this year’s tax-free weekend are set.

The sales tax holiday for 2024 will be held the weekend of Saturday, Aug. 10, and Sunday, Aug. 11, the Massachusetts State Legislature said Thursday,. Most retail items of up to $2,500, purchased in Massachusetts for personal use on the two days, will be exempt from the state’s 6.25 percent sales tax.

The sales tax holiday applies only to eligible retail items bought for personal use by residents. Purchases by corporations or other businesses and purchases by people for business remain taxable.

According to the Department of Revenue, tax revenues of approximately $3.54 million were made during the 2023 sales tax holiday.

Here’s everything you need to know:

What retail items do not qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption?

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, and
  • Any single item whose price is more than $2,500.

What about Internet sales? Do those sales qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption?

Yes. 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.

No sales tax is due on that purchase, even if delivery of the item occurs after the sales tax holiday weekend.

What about layaway sales?

Layaway sales do not qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption.

Do rentals qualify for the sales tax holiday?

If you rent an item that qualifies for the sales tax holiday exemption, you can use the sales tax holiday for rentals of up to 30 days.

However, the rental must be paid for in full on the holiday weekend.

Exempt rentals do not include:

  • motor vehicles or
  • motorboats.

What if I spend more than $2,500 on an item?

If you spend more than $2,500 on an item, the entire amount paid for the item is subject to sales tax, not just the amount that exceeds that threshold.

For more information, click here.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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