Politics & Government

Sales Tax Holiday Coming This Weekend

You can safely buy that big screen TV in-state without a 6.25 percent sales tax on Aug. 10 and 11.

By Jake O'Donnell and Joe Markman

For the ninth consecutive year the state has enacted a sales tax holiday that last year saved Massachusetts consumers $23.34 million, according to the office of Sen. Brian A. Joyce, D-Milton.
Joyce was among the legislators who voted for the tax holiday for Aug. 10 and Aug. 11. Gov. Deval Patrick signed the sales tax holiday after the bill was passed last Wednesday. The bill allows state businesses to lift the 6.25 percent sales tax for those two days.
“I’m happy to support this measure yet again, which encourages consumers to get out and support local businesses and their employees,” Joyce said in a statement. “This annual event has become a good tool for our continued economic recovery.”
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.
The original text of this year's tax holiday bill can be found on the state Legislature's website.
How will you take advantage of the tax holiday this year? Or will you sit out the crowds? Tell us in the comments below.


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