Rep. Bradley Announces Sales Tax Holiday August 14-15

August 3, 2010

(Boston) – State Representative Garrett J. Bradley, D-Hingham, on July 31 joined his colleagues in the House of Representatives in approving legislation that would authorize a state sales tax holiday to take place August 14^th and 15^th of this year to encourage consumers to shop at local businesses across the state.

Rep. Bradley said, “This sales tax holiday will allow consumers to save on purchases, while providing local businesses with a much-needed boost in sales.  It represents another step in the process of restoring confidence in the Massachusetts economy.”

The language was approved as part of an economic development bill passed by the House Senate that would streamline economic development agencies, make Massachusetts more attractive to businesses and repeal the state’s medical and pharmaceutical gift ban.  This is the sixth time the Legislature has enacted a sales tax holiday since 2004.

In addition, the proposal requires that the commissioner of revenue certify the amount of sales tax forgone as well as the amount of new revenue raised from personal and corporate income taxes and other sources as a result of the sales tax holiday. This certification must come by the end of this calendar year.

The sales tax holiday applies to retail sales excluding any single item priced higher than $2,500.  It does not apply to gas, steam, electricity, motor vehicles, motorboats or meals.

The Governor has said he will sign the measure into law.

 

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