The Massachusetts sales tax free holiday is fast approaching, here is what you need to know

With the Massachusetts sales tax free holiday fast approaching, here is what you need to know.

-The Legislature set the dates in mid-June of this year as the dates need to be decided on by Beacon Hill by June 15 each year, otherwise the Department of Revenue gets to pick.

-In 2022, the sales tax holiday will be on Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14.

-The sales tax holiday applies only to retail items bought for personal use by individuals.

-The following items are still taxable and do not qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption:

Meals
Motor vehicles
Motorboats
Telecommunications services
Gas
Steam
Electricity
Tobacco products
Marijuana or marijuana products
Alcoholic beverages, and
Any single item whose price is more than $2,500.

-An item will qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption if you order and pay for an eligible item over the internet on the sales tax holiday and during Eastern Daylight Time.

-Layaway sales do not qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption.

-If you rent an item that qualifies for the sales tax holiday exemption, you can use the sales tax holiday for rentals of up to 30 days. However, the rental must be paid for in full on the holiday weekend. Exempt rentals do not include motor vehicles or motorboats.

-All businesses must take part in the sales tax holiday if the business normally makes taxable sales of tangible property in Massachusetts or to purchasers in Massachusetts and is open for business on August 13 and 14.