What to know about the 2026 Massachusetts sales tax holiday

State of play: The sales tax holiday occurs every year for purchases made in stores and online, but there are several exemptions.

❌ What's not covered

• Meals (though groceries are generally not taxed year round)
• Cars and motorboats
• Phone plans and other telecom services
• Gas. Same goes for steam and electricity.
• Tobacco, cannabis and alcohol
• Anything else over $2,500.

Layaways don't qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption, either.

✅ What is covered

• Rentals for anything other than cars or motorboats, if you pay the upfront during the holiday weekend
• Clothing above $175 (clothing priced up to $175 is already untaxed)
• School supplies
• Computers, phones, that Switch 2 you've been on the fence about buying
• Home appliances, in case you need to replace a dishwasher or AC unit
• Eyeglasses
• Bicycles, including e-bikes.