August 11, 2004
ROMNEY PROMOTES TAX-FREE SHOPPING DAY ON SATURDAY
BOSTON – Governor Mitt Romney today teamed up with State Senator Jack Hart and the Retailers Association of Massachusetts to promote the Commonwealth’s first-ever sales tax holiday this Saturday, August 14.
During a visit to the South Bay Mall, Romney encouraged shoppers to visit their favorite stores this weekend to take advantage of a day of tax-free shopping.
“They say there are only two sure things in life – death and taxes. We can’t do anything about the first, but we can make life a little easier when it comes to taxes,” Romney said.
He added, “I encourage people all across our Commonwealth to head out to stores and malls this weekend to enjoy the benefits of tax free shopping.”
Saturday’s sales tax holiday, approved by Romney as part of last year’s economic stimulus package, exempts individuals from paying the state’s five percent sales tax on purchases up to $2,500. Motor vehicles, boats, meals and utility payments are not included in the holiday and items priced higher than $2,500 will still carry the sales tax.
“This will provide an immediate economic stimulus to the Massachusetts economy,” said Hart, who proposed the sales tax holiday. “It’s meant to spur spending and reward consumers.”
“The sales tax holiday in Massachusetts is among the most generous in the nation,” said Jon Hurst, President of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts. “We are hopeful that consumers will take advantage of the holiday and give local retailers a boost during what is usually a slow time of year.”
The sales tax holiday covers items that are purchased strictly for personal use. Any consumer who purchases an item costing more than $1,000 will be asked to sign a certificate stating that the items are for non-business use.
The Department of Revenue estimates that consumers will save between $6 and $10 million in sales taxes on Saturday.
For more information on the sales tax holiday, visit the Department of Revenue’s Web site at www.mass.gov/dor.
Tags: Taxes
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