(WJAR) — This weekend is a sales tax-free period in Massachusetts.
On Saturday, August 10th and Sunday, August 11th, many retail items are tax-free.
The VAT exemption means that both in-store and online shoppers are exempt from the current state sales tax of 6.25%.
Shoppers eager to capitalize on the savings said every dollar counts more than ever.
“Especially now that the school year is starting, kids need clothes and parents need clothes, so when you buy a large amount of clothing and it costs several hundred dollars, it adds up,” said Jim Douglas.
While the incentive drives some people to finally buy the expensive product, others say they would stick to the essentials and still benefit from the savings, which includes online shopping.
Purchases up to $2,500 made in the Bay State are tax-free.
Here is a list of items that are not exempt from VAT:
- Catering
- Motor vehicles
- Motorboats
- Telecommunications services
- gas
- steam
- Electricity
- Tobacco products
- Marijuana or marijuana products
- Alcoholic beverages
- Any single item priced over $2,500.
Sales tax only applies to items purchased for personal use.
Purchases for companies remain subject to tax.
Last year, the state waived $37 million in sales tax in two days, according to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
Massachusetts is one of 16 states across the country that has an annual tax-free holiday.
Rhode Island is not one of them, but some stores offer a discount equal to the sales tax so you don’t miss out.
NBC 10’s Erin Coogan contributed to this report.
