Tax Free Weekend: What is it really worth?

This upcoming weekend is "tax free weekend" and I've heard a few people comment that they plan to buy those tires for their car or that new living-room furniture that they've been eyeing for sometime this weekend.  But, what is the "holiday" really worth?

We didn't have a "tax free weekend" last year (2009) and now that the state sales tax is at 6.25%, as opposed to the 5% it was in 2008, when we did have a "tax free weekend", could it have anything to do with this year being an election year?  I know, it's a rhetorical question.

Here's a BIG change to this year's "Sales Tax Holiday Weekend":

What's Different for 2010?

This year, Massachusetts residents may want to stock up on their favorite liquors and wines for the holidays, as the tax-free weekend will include alcohol sales. The 2010 Massachusetts sales tax holiday weekend includes "alcoholic beverages sold for off-premises consumption" which means you will still pay tax on the drinks you purchase with a meal in a restaurant or at your favorite local bar.


The tax exemption only applies to items purchased for personal use, not business use. Individual items must also cost $2,500 or less.