For parents gearing their students up to go back to school, or consumers who've been waiting for the right incentive to spur them to make a big purchase, Saturday and Sunday are critical shopping days in Massachusetts.

August 16 and 17 mark the state’s latest sales tax holiday, when all retail items costing $2,500 or less are exempt from sales and use taxes.

There is also no minimum or maximum spending limit to qualify on multi-item purchases. So as long as each individual item on your receipt is priced at less than $2,500, your receipt can be as long as you want and stay tax-free.

As with most great deals, there are some exceptions. All motor vehicles, motorboats, meals, telecommunication services, gas, steam, electricity, and tobacco products will still be taxed.

And items that cross that $2,500 threshold must be be fully-taxed, not just taxed on the amount over $2,500, officials said in a statement.

"When the sales price of any single item is greater than $2,500, sales or use tax is due on the entire price charged for the item," the statement said. "... For example, if an item is sold for $3,000, the entire sales price of the item is taxable, not just the amount that exceeds $2,500."

Other Important Exemptions: