Massachusetts Sales Tax Weekend: Is It Still Cool?
Wow, it just hit me. It’s another Massachusetts Sales Tax Weekend. BUT, is it still cool? Sure, saving money is always cool.
Is it As Popular?
I don’t mean to get whiney, or add more doom and gloom. But I remember a time when this news hit and it was WOW!! This is awesome! We can save 6.25% on the sales tax? You mean, I can save $156.25 on the new $2500 couch? Amazing!!! But today, I haven’t even seen it reported on Boston 25. It use to make me feel like the Find Mass Money commercial, does now.
Well, let’s take a look at what we CANNOT save money on!
The List Of Items That Do NOT Qualify
- Meals ($2500 would have been a nice party)
- Motor vehicles (I need tires! Does that qualify?)
- Motorboats (Would it float?)
- Telecommunications services (Sorry Apple)
- Gas (Your Escalade cost $2500 to gas up)
- Steam (How will I power my locomotive?)
- Electricity (I have solar now)
- Tobacco products ($2500?)
- Marijuana or marijuana products ($2500..)
- Alcoholic beverages, and (Again, $2500…..)
- Any single item whose price is more than $2,500
Can I Save On Business Expenses? Daddy Needs A Laptop!
Now, wouldn’t THAT be cool! Nope, sorry.
According to Mass.gov: What remains taxable?
The sales tax holiday applies only to eligible retail items bought for personal use by individuals.
- Purchases by corporations or other businesses
- Purchases by individuals for business use.
See, if you get a write off year round for office or business expenses, you can’t double-dip, on the sales tax weekend. Yes, computers qualify, but for personal use.
What If I Buy On-Line?
Mass.gov says: If you buy an item or items online, they’ll qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption as long as you make your purchase during the sales tax holiday, during Eastern Daylight Time. Basically, after midnight on Sunday, you’re out of luck.