What is Excluded from Massachusetts Tax Free Weekend?

Massachusetts holds a tax-free weekend each year during which consumers can buy specific items without having to pay the state’s 6.25% sales tax. The two-day event typically takes place in August. Not all purchases, though, qualify for the tax break. What is not included in the Massachusetts tax-free weekend will be covered in this article.

It’s crucial to remember that the tax-free weekend only applies to purchases of things costing $2,500 or less per. The state’s sales tax will still apply to any items that are more expensive than this amount. Additionally, only products purchased for personal use are eligible for the tax exemption; items bought for business or commercial use are not.

Meals are among the major product categories that aren’t included in the tax-free weekend. Any food products intended for consumption at a restaurant or from a prepared food vendor fall under this category. Therefore, rotisserie chicken from your neighborhood grocery store would regrettably not qualify for the tax exemption. Fruits, vegetables, and meats that are meant to be cooked at home but aren’t yet prepared are still eligible for the tax exemption.

The answer to the following query is that in Massachusetts, food is typically exempt from tax. There are a few exceptions, though. As was already mentioned, the state sales tax applies to prepared items. The state of Massachusetts also taxes soda and confectionery. Therefore, bear in mind that you still need to pay the state’s sales tax on these items if you intend to stock up on your favorite candies over the tax-free weekend. Food containers are yet another thing that isn’t included in the tax-free weekend. Any packaging used to package prepared food or beverages falls under this category. This means that even if you buy a takeout meal from a restaurant over the tax-free weekend, the container it comes in will still be charged sales tax in your state.

Lastly, is clothing tax-free in Boston? Sadly, the response is no. During the tax-free weekend, the state sales tax will not apply to qualified clothing purchases, although Boston has its own city sales tax of 0.75%. This implies that buyers of eligible clothing in Boston will continue to be subject to this additional tax.

Despite the fact that the Massachusetts tax-free weekend offers a fantastic chance to save money on specific purchases, not all things are covered by the tax exemption. To prevent any unpleasant surprises at the cash register, it’s critical to be aware of what is not eligible for the tax reduction.