SPEAKER ROBERT DELEO
BOSTON – This week the Legislature approved a bill creating a sales tax holiday on August 15 and 16, 2015. The legislation is designed to provide relief to consumers and increase sales for local businesses.
“The sales tax holiday is a shot in the arm for individuals, families and businesses alike,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “While the Massachusetts economy is continuing to improve, folks are still facing tough fiscal times. By passing this legislation, we reaffirmed our commitment to helping hardworking families, particularly as the school year begins.”
WILLIAM “SMITTY” PIGNATELLI
“The sales tax holiday has become an annual event in our state and today the Legislature voted to give a small tax break to consumers and businesses alike,” said Senate President Stanley Rosenberg (D-Amherst). “I hope that we will soon review this policy to determine if, after more than a decade, the desired impact is being achieved.”
“Historically, we have seen people from neighboring states with higher tax rates come into southern Berkshire and Hampden counties to shop during the sales tax holiday weekend,” said Representative Pignatelli. “While they’re here, they eat at our restaurants and make a day of it. That’s money coming into these small towns that wouldn’t be there otherwise.”
As in previous years, the sales tax holiday will apply to purchases under $2,500. It excludes vehicles, motorized boats, tobacco, meals and utilities.
The bill now goes to the Governor for his signature.
