Tax Free Weekend In Massachusetts

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Massachusetts Sales Tax Holiday Weekend Starts This Saturday

Tax-free weekend underway in Massachusetts

BOSTON – Attention all shoppers! The annual sales tax holiday weekend in Massachusetts starts this coming Saturday.

Back in June, the state legislature declared August 13th and 14th to be tax-free.

Most items under $2,500 bought on those days will be exempt from the 6.25% sales tax. The holiday weekend was made permanent in 2018 in an effort to boost small business around the state by getting people out to shop.

There are some purchases that won’t qualify. Sales tax will still apply for anyone going out to eat at a restaurant. The same goes for buying a car or boat, regardless of price. There will also still be taxes in place for alcohol and marijuana sales.

Here’s a list of what doesn’t qualify:

When Is Tax Free Weekend Ma

Legislation was signed into law in 2018 that established an annual sales tax holiday for one weekend each year. This year, the sales tax holiday was on August 14 and August 15, 2021. On the sales tax holiday weekend, purchases by individuals of most retail items are not subject to the state sales tax.

How Can A Retailer Report Exempt Sales On The August Return

It should be noted that, on the you should report the number of uncollected tax items. There you will apply all sold items during the sales tax holiday.

To fill in this data, you will need to look on the tax form for the Exempt Sales section. You will place the total amount for which the tax exemption was made to the customers, and you will not have any inconveniences.

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Mass Sales Tax Weekend Is Here: Everything You Need To Know

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Massachusetts’ annual sales tax holiday kicks off this weekend on Saturday, Aug. 13 and Sunday Aug. 14. During the weekend, retail items costing up to $2,500, purchased in the state for personal use, will be exempt from sales tax.

Usually the sales tax holiday means going big, buying something you’ve had your eye on for a while now. But inflation is leading to the deflation on enthusiasm among some residents.

“High gas prices, high food costs, no way, I don’t think it’s going to help people at all.” A Cambridge man told WBZ’s James Rojas.

“I dont think it’s helping people, how much are you really saving anyway. I mean everything is so high priced in Massachusetts compared to say, New Hampshire.” Another said.

So what can you buy this weekend and avoid that 6.25 percent sales tax? Shoppers in Massachusetts will be able to waive that tax for retail items costing up to $2,500 purchased for personal use.

There are several items that do not qualify for the tax break, according to the state. These include meals, motor vehicles, motorboats, telecommunications services, gas, steam, electricity, tobacco and marijuana products and alcoholic beverages.

There is another exception when it comes to clothing. Clothing items are generally exempt from the sales tax unless the item costs more than $175. For those items, only the amount over $175 is subject to tax.

WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas reports:

Is Amazon Part Of Tax Free Weekend

Tax Free Weekend  Downtown Pittsfield Western Massachusetts The Berkshires

Amazon doesnt have its own special tax-free weekend. So, as long as youre shopping Amazon during your states tax holiday weekend and what you buy qualifies as exempt, you wont pay tax. Amazon automatically charges sales tax on items that dont qualify for your states tax-free weekend.

Also Check: How To Get My Tax Return From Last Year

What’s Included In Massachusetts Tax

Items purchased by individuals for personal use will be tax free, as long as the price of that item is $2,500 or less.

Massachusetts has one of the broadest tax-free weekends in the country. While other states place limits on the types of items that can be purchased tax free, Massachusetts shoppers can buy practically everything tax free, as long as it’s under the price threshold.

There are some exceptions, however. The following items will still be taxed:

See full details about eligible items and exceptions.

Iowa Tax Free Weekend

When: Aug. 5 at 12:01 a.m. Aug. 6 at 11:59 p.m.Whats Tax Free: Clothing or footwear selling for less than $100 is not taxed over the weekend.

Fine Print: Note that backpacks are still taxable, as they dont count as clothing. If youre unsure of which items count as clothing, check out this list. A note for BOGO shoppers: If youre using a buy one, get one free deal, its the cost of both items that determines if you get them tax free. For example, if boots are buy one, get one free, and the first pair costs $110, youll pay tax you cant average the cost and insist each pair is just $55.

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Who Decides When Tax Free Weekends Occur

Tax free weekends are decided entirely by local governments. The first tax free weekends in the United States occurred in New York in 1996.

In that first year, many local governments in New York City refused to take part, but over the preceding years, many of them began to implement tax free weekends of their own to stimulate the economy of the city.

Nowadays around 13 states currently have annual tax free weekends that occur regularly. Tax free weekends are entirely optional for all states, thus not all states have adopted them.

What You Need To Know For The Upcoming Massachusetts Sales Tax Holiday

Buyers experience some frustration during Massachusetts’ 2021 tax-free weekend

BOSTON The states sales tax holiday for 2022 will be held on Saturday, August 13, and Sunday, August 14.

On these two days, Massachusetts shoppers do not have to pay the states 6.25% sales tax on most goods less than $2,500.

The purchases of cars, motorboats, food, alcohol, tobacco products, marijuana products, and telecommunications services such as prepaid calls, natural gas, steam, and electricity are excluded from the sales tax holiday.

Shoppers who are looking to purchase clothing next weekend can expect to pay sales tax on an item over $175.00.

The annual sales-tax-free weekend was made permanent by a 2018 law, in an effort to boost small businesses around the state by getting people out to shop.

As part of the grand bargain law, retailers in 2018 dropped their push for a ballot question lowering the 6.25 percent sales tax to 5 percent. That law also raised the minimum wage will rise from $11 to $15 an hour over a five-year period, phased out time-and-a-half pay for workers on Sundays and holidays over that same period, and solidified the launch of a paid family and medical leave program overseen by the state government and backed by a payroll tax.

For more information, visit the states website.

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

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Recommended Reading: How To Find 2020 Tax Return

Massachusetts Sales Tax Free Weekend August 13

BOSTON The Commonwealth of Massachusetts will have a sales tax free weekend on Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14.

Shoppers do not have to pay the states 6.25% sales taxon many items under $2,500.

The purchases of cars, motorboats, food, alcohol, tobacco products, marijuana products, and telecommunications services like natural gas and electricity are excluded from the sales tax holiday.

Clothing is tax free in Massachusetts but luxury items over $175 will be taxed.

The annual sales-tax-free weekend was made permanent by a 2018 law, in an effort to boost small businesses around the state by getting people out to shop during summer vacation and just before students head back to school and college.

Businesses Getting Ready For Massachusetts Tax

SPRINGFIELD, MA – Its the weekend many in the state have been waiting for. There will be tax-free shopping Saturday and Sunday and many local businesses are preparing for a rush of customers to take advantage of the savings.

No sales tax will be charged on most items under $2,500 this weekend, so you could save hundreds on big-ticket items, like a couch or a Macbook.

Furniture is a process, so we kind of dont like to rush people, said Sam Stauder with Fly by Night Furniture in Northampton.

Stauder told Western Mass News that people have been coming in all week looking for new furniture to get in on the savings by picking out what they want ahead of the tax-free holiday in Massachusetts this weekend.

People come in, kind of look through what theyre thinking about, talk to us cause the weekend gets too busy for us to properly give the service we like to give people, Stauder explained.

This way, their orders are ready for payment and pickup, sales tax free, this weekend. Stauder told Western Mass News that the amount of business they get in those two days will be about two months worth, but the supply and demand could have people waiting.

Its not a grab and go. Its an order and wait sort of thing, usually. We have to deliver furniture. We have to bring in furniture from manufacturers to deliver, so we end up dealing with it for the next eight to nine months, Stauder added.

Over at Yes Computers in Northampton, theyre also getting ready for a big weekend.

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Most Purchases Under $2500 Apply

The Massachusetts Legislature set this years sales tax holiday weekend for Aug. 13 and 14 on Monday, State House News Service reported.

Local

On these two days, Massachusetts shoppers do not have to pay the states 6.25% sales tax on most goods less than $2,500.

Purchases of cars, motorboats, food, alcohol, tobacco products, marijuana products, telecommunications services such as prepaid calls, natural gas, steam, and electricity are excluded from the sales tax holiday.

The now-annual weekend during which the states sales tax is nullified was made a permanent feature in the state by law in 2018.

The law appoints the Legislature to set the dates by June 15 each year. If it doesnt, the Department of Revenue decides.

The sales tax holiday was part of the grand bargain bill which phased out time-and-a-half pay for workers on Sundays and holidays but set a timeline for raising the states minimum wage from $11 an hour to $15 an hour over the course of five years.

What Happens If The Item Is Exchanged

Shop at Maziply Toys and pay no sales tax this weekend! It

There is nothing to worry about it. Even if you make the tax change after the weekend, you will in no way be subject to tax retroactively. If taxes are charged in error, the company that made the purchase will be responsible for refunding the taxes paid.

It will be necessary to provide the company with the receipt or other proof of purchase to determine the amount of the refund. In the event that the retailer accidentally collects the tax, it will have to be referred to the DOR by filing an amended return to recover the amounts that have been refunded to the customers.

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A Pair Of Jordan’s Or Yeezy’s Or Expensive Sneakers

Again, with clothing under $175 not being taxed, nows a great time to get a pair of your favorite expensive shoe.

Peep The Best Sneaker Stores Online & in the World

The internet revolutionized and forever changed consumer behavior by giving customers an easy, stress-free way to browse and buy products from the comfort of their own home. The same goes for buying sneakers. While there are certainly still those old-school OGs that prefer going into physical stores to buy kicks, the majority of people prefer to shop on sneaker sites.

Consumers And Small Businesses Looking Forward To Aug 13

Date: August 11, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOSTON NFIB State Director Christopher Carlozzi says Massachusetts 2022 sales tax holiday taking place this weekend, Aug. 13th-14th is a chance for consumers to support small businesses rocked by the series of economic setbacks that began with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. During this years tax holiday, the usual 6.25% state sales tax will not be charged on most items costing less than $2,500. The National Federation of Independent Business , the nations leading small business advocacy organization, encourages consumers to benefit from the great deals and excellent customer service at Main Street shops across the Commonwealth this weekend.

While it is always important to support your local small business economy, it is even more imperative to shop local as Main Street businesses are still recovering from their pandemic-related losses, said NFIB State Director Christopher Carlozzi. These are the same shops and restaurants that sponsor youth sports teams, donate to neighborhood schools, and provide jobs for your friends and neighbors.

Unfortunately, consumers are spending more of their hard-earned money and receiving less under this extreme inflation, Carlozzi said. The sales tax holiday will provide some level of savings for shoppers, and we encourage people to make those purchases at their local, neighborhood small businesses that will offer special deals alongside exceptional customer service.

About NFIB

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Tax Free Weekend In Massachusetts

3 months ago in Local

Massachusetts will hold its annual sales tax holiday this weekend, August 13th and 14th. The two-day holiday lets buyers skip the usual 6.25% sales tax on some items. There are some exceptions: Anything that costs more than $2,500 is still taxed. Food, alcohol, marijuana, vehicles, boats and gas are still taxed. You can also buy a product this weekend and get the savings even if you dont take delivery right away. Items sold on the internet also qualify for the Massachusetts sales tax holiday exemption, but customers should be diligent to make sure the retailer is not charging a sales tax during the checkout process.

Presumably You Need To Live In Massachusetts And Have An In

Massachusetts sales tax holiday weekend starts this Saturday

Massachusetts regulators didn’t clarify the IP address logistics about online shopping during the state’s tax-free weekend, but residents will most likely need to have a Massachusetts IP address on their computer or get their personal products delivered to an in-state address. Usually, sales tax for online purchases gets calculated when you enter your address, so the process would take place during this calculation.

While some states limit tax-free shopping to necessities like school supplies and clothing, Massachusetts is having a little more fun with it. The tax holiday is only two days long, so shoppers might have to do some scrambling to get everything on their list. Online purchases should make the process a bit easier for people who don’t want to enter crowds at the mall or have to stay home and take care of their families.

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The State’s Sales Tax Holiday Is Here Our Consumer Columnist Has Tips For You

During the upcoming sales tax holiday weekend, any single product item, purchased at a retail store or online for personal use, selling for $2,500 or less, is exempt from Massachusetts sales tax. There are exclusions, which include meals, motor vehicles, tobacco products and alcoholic beverages.

Editor’s note: This weekend, Aug. 13-14, sales taxes take a holiday. Martin J. Lecker, The Eagle’s consumer columnist, has some advice.

Last month, there was a 9 percent annual inflation rate. This means the value of the dollar is shrinking along with your purchasing power, which is running out of control. Lets see how we can put the brakes on this steep, downhill economic road by saving money.

During the sales tax holiday weekend, any single product item, purchased at a retail store or online for personal use, selling for $2,500 or less, is exempt from Massachusetts sales tax. There are exclusions, which include meals, motor vehicles, tobacco products and alcoholic beverages.

Any online purchase paid in full by Aug. 14 will be tax exempt regardless of its delivery date. Online orders should automatically not be charged a state sales tax during this weekend. This was confirmed after speaking to two online company corporate officials: Susan Frachette, Wayfairs associate director of corporate communications, and Elizabeth Palo, Targets account coordinator.

Still, before checkout, I would make sure that a sales tax is not on your bill.

Can Tax Free Weekends Help You To Save Money

Yes. Tax free weekends can help you to save money, especially within the state of Massachusetts. Research has found that shoppers tend to buy 49% more products on tax free weekends than any other time of the year.

Considering that tax free weekends apply to all items covered by sales tax in Massachusetts, it is possible to save a massive amount of money on things you might ordinarily buy at any other time of the year.

However, it is important to consider that tax free weekends and the allure of saving money on everyday items can often cause many people to spend more money than they should.

We may believe that we need to purchase something just because it is discounted when really we have no need for them, or would never otherwise purchase them any other time.

This means that many people are often led to spending more during a holiday that is designed to help them to spend less.

Tax free weekends like those in Massachusetts can also end up costing you more money because of the need to travel to each store.

Drawn by the allure of saving money at different stores, you may drive your car much more, which would require you to fill up your tank with gas more than you may otherwise.

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What Are The Dates For This Year’s Tax

This year, the sales tax holiday in Massachusetts will be taking place on Saturday, Aug. 13, and Sunday, Aug. 14. Though gas and food won’t be part of the items that qualify as part of the sales tax holiday, there are plenty of retail items you can scoop up and get a great deal on. If you’re thinking about purchasing new furniture, computers/electronic devices, clothing, bedding, tools, lawn/yard items, home theater, books, and more, you may want to plan on buying some of these items on the sales tax holiday weekend in Massachusetts. It’s worth noting that according to mass.gov, sales tax will be exempt on eligible retail items for personal use and those items must be $2,500 or less.

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