Massachusetts Forgoes $21 Million for Sales Tax Holiday

Jan 5, 2012 | Susan McLain

Massachusetts’ sales tax holiday occurred August 13 and 14, 2011. “The sales tax holiday legislation waived the sales tax on otherwise taxable non-businesses purchases made on August 13 and 14, 2011, except purchases of telecommunications services, gas, steam, electricity, motor vehicles, motorboats, meals, and any single item the price of which was in excess of $2,500.”

The Massachusetts Revenue Impact Analysis reports that the sales tax revenues foregone “…did lower the amounts going to the School of Modernization and Reconstruction Trust Fund ($3.4 million), and Commonwealth Transportation Fund ($1.3 million). The impact on the Convention Center Fund was less than $19,400. [And] [t]he remainder of the impact was on the General Fund.”

The Massachusetts state sales tax rate is 6.25% “…on the purchase prices of many tangible goods, utilities, and telecommunications services, and on meals served at restaurants.”

Keep up with sales tax changes and occasional “sales tax holidays” in any state where your business is required to collect and remit sales tax. Learn more about sales tax automation with AvaTax at www.avalara.com or call 877-780-4848 today!

Sales tax rates, rules, and regulations change frequently. Although we hope you'll find this information helpful, this blog is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal or tax advice.

Avalara Author

Susan McLain

Avalara Author Susan McLain

Susan McLain began her career as a technical writer in technology industries such as satellite networking and medical devices. Her skills encompass technical and marketing writing, usability engineering, verification and validation testing and protocol writing, requirements development, business analysis, technical illustration/graphic design and marketing. She has owned her own business providing service to small to medium sized business and in other positions, she has been in project management, documentation and marketing. She is currently the content specialist for Avalara helping to “make sales tax less taxing.”