Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend Returns August 8–9: What Shoppers Should Know

Massachusetts shoppers will receive a break from the state’s 6.25% sales tax during the annual sales tax holiday on Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9, 2026.

Most retail items purchased for personal use and priced at $2,500 or less will qualify. With families preparing for a new school year, BBB Eastern New England is reminding consumers to plan their purchases carefully and not assume every tax-free promotion represents the lowest available price.

“Tax-free does not automatically mean it is the best deal,” said Paula Fleming, chief marketing and sales officer and chief spokesperson for BBB Eastern New England. “A purchase only saves you money when it was already needed, fits your budget and comes from a business you can trust.”

A qualifying $500 purchase would save a Massachusetts consumer $31.25 in sales tax. Shoppers should compare that savings with regular prices, coupons, rewards programs and promotions offered by competing retailers.

What qualifies?

Most individual retail products costing $2,500 or less qualify when purchased for personal use.

Items that remain taxable include motor vehicles, motorboats, meals, alcoholic beverages, tobacco and marijuana products, utilities and individual items costing more than $2,500. Business purchases are not eligible.

Online orders may qualify if the purchase and payment are completed during the holiday weekend, even when delivery takes place later. Shoppers should consult the Massachusetts Department of Revenue for the complete rules.

Back-to-school shopping advice

The National Retail Federation estimates that families with children in kindergarten through grade 12 will spend an average of $863.86 on back-to-school purchases in 2026.

“Families should not feel pressured to purchase an entire school year’s worth of supplies in one weekend,” Fleming said. “Start with the required list, check what you already have at home and prioritize what your student needs immediately.”

BBB recommends that consumers:

• Compare prices before the weekend begins.
• Make a list and establish a firm spending limit.
• Research unfamiliar businesses at BBB.org.
• Review return, refund and restocking policies.
• Use a credit card for online purchases.
• Avoid shopping through public Wi-Fi.
• Save receipts, confirmation emails and screenshots.
• Be suspicious of social media advertisements offering expensive products at unusually low prices.
• Avoid sellers requesting gift cards, wire transfers or payment through unfamiliar apps.
• Protect children’s personal information when responding to school, scholarship or promotional offers.

New England tax-free dates

Connecticut will hold its Sales Tax-Free Week from August 16 through August 22, 2026. Certain clothing and footwear costing less than $300 per item will be exempt.

Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont do not have sales tax holidays scheduled for 2026. New Hampshire does not impose a general state sales tax.

“Consumers may see advertisements referring broadly to a tax-free weekend, but the rules depend on the state where the purchase is made or delivered,” Fleming said. “Check the details before traveling or placing an online order.”

Consumers can research businesses and report suspected scams at BBB.org.

Consumers can find additional back-to-school shopping guidance, scam alerts and resources from BBB at:
https://www.bbb.org/all/back-to-school