Overview

• The state will suspend its 6.25% sales tax on most tangible retail goods priced at $2,500 or less from Aug. 9–10, covering both in-store and online purchases by Massachusetts residents.
• Retailers are boosting staff and inventory to accommodate sales volumes that could soar up to five or six times a typical summer weekend.
• Businesses affected by import tariffs, such as Watertown Mattress and Watertown Tiles, are adding further discounts—like 20% off in-stock tiles—to maximize savings.
• Consumers erroneously charged tax on qualifying items can claim refunds with valid receipts, while retailers must remit any wrongly collected amounts to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
• A Deloitte survey finds Boston parents intend to spend an average of $686 per child on back-to-school needs, fueling strong early weekend orders.