MA Tax-Free Weekend Is August 12-13! Here Are The Best Deals

Massachusetts tax-free weekend is quickly approaching, so here's what you should spend your money on since you're saving that 6.25% sales tax!

On Saturday, August 12th and Sunday, August 13th, the state is letting buyers save money and indulge in guilt-free shopping. It's the glorious Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend and it's sneaking up on us faster than a rogue Boston squirrel on the hunt for a fallen pretzel. Circle the calendar, set a reminder, and clear the trunk of your car, because on August 12th and 13th, we're on a mission!

Remember, the key to making the most of this tax-free weekend isn't about buying everything in sight. It's about strategically investing in high-ticket items that will pay off in the long run. Maybe you need a new laptop, or your kids need new clothes for school. How about those hockey skates that you've been eyes at the Skate Shop? Whatever it is, the tax-free weekend is the time to buy it.

Let's prep our lists, plan our routes, and take a big caffeinated gulp of savings. This Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend, it's time to go forth, conquer, and spend, minus the added sting of the sales tax.

Find the entire list of do's and don'ts here.

Now, a tax-free weekend may feel like an all-you-can-buy shopping buffet. But let's be smart about it. To get the most bang for your buck, I present to you the ultimate guide on items you should absolutely splurge on.

First and foremost, tech gear. When's the last time you saw an iPad, gaming console, or a high-end camera without the additional appendage of a sales tax? That's right, probably never. For those still using a smartphone that was cool when Boston won its last championship (and that could be a while ago, depending on the sport!), or have a laptop that groans louder than a Sox fan at a Yankees game, this weekend is the time to upgrade.

Whether you're a homeowner or renter, appliances are always a good idea. Considering the rather robust tax-saving you can make on that shiny new fridge or energy-efficient washer-dryer combo, you might finally be able to justify that smart home upgrade you've been dreaming of. A tax-free weekend is the best time to say 'out with the old, in with the new', and get that trendy espresso machine that's been lurking in your online cart.

If you've been eyeing a new couch, bedroom set, or home office furniture, your patience is about to pay off! A sizable purchase like furniture can be a wise move during the tax-free weekend. Make this the weekend you finally take the plunge on that chic, mid-century modern armchair you've been coveting, or a stand-up desk to make your work-from-home life a bit more bearable.

Massachusetts may not be Milan, but we know a good deal when we see one. High-end clothing, shoes, and accessories rarely get discounted, but on this tax-free weekend, every fashionista gets to walk their own runway. Splurge on that designer handbag, killer pair of boots, or fancy watch you've had your eyes on. Your closet and your wallet will thank you.
According to the Mass.gov website though, "On the sales tax holiday, if the price of an item of clothing is more than $2,500, the first $175 is not subject to tax but the rest would be."

Finally, for all the parents out there, the tax-free weekend is perfectly timed to shop for the upcoming school year. Sure, this isn't the most glamorous category, but splurging on quality backpacks, laptops, calculators, or even musical instruments can save a pretty penny when the taxman is out of the picture.