Stars, Weekends Align: Needham's Tax-Free Second Saturday

The stars have aligned, and this could be a great weekend to go shopping. Or, perhaps it's just coincidental. 

This weekend is the state-wide Tax-Free weekend. It is also the second Saturday of the month which, in Needham, means tax-free deals outside your favorite local shops during the Second Saturday sidewalk sales (or inside, if weather is rainy).

According to a press release sent out by Needham Economic Development Director Devra Bailin, buying local means 73 cents of every dollar are staying in Needham. Buying from a local chain keeps 43 cents in town, and shopping outside of the town nets it, well, zero cents. 

Second Saturday sidewalk sales began in March, and continue each week with some shops offering special deals. For more information, see the Needham Merchants Association Facebook page, and the Discover Needham website. 

This year will mark then ninth year Massachusetts has had a weekend to shop without having to pay the state sales tax of 6.25 percent. Some items are not within the bounds of the tax exemption though, including any single item sold for more than $2,500. Also products such as tobacco, gasoline, meals and utilities will not be sold tax-free.