Baker: Sales tax holiday a chance to boost local businesses

BOSTON — This year’s Massachusetts sales-tax-free weekend scheduled for Aug. 29-30 is a chance to support local businesses struggling because of the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement Tuesday.

“This pandemic has created enormous challenges for the Commonwealth’s small businesses, and the sales tax-free weekend is one way that we can encourage more economic activity to help Main Street businesses and local economies,” the Republican said.

Baker signed legislation in 2018 to make the annual sales tax holiday permanent.

Under the law, items of up to $2,500 purchased within the state are exempt from the state's 6.25% sales tax.

Motor vehicles, meals, tobacco and marijuana products, and alcoholic beverages are among the items that do not qualify for the tax exemption.

>> Restaurants officially reopen for indoor dining as Phase 2 continues in Mass.

We're pleased to announce that the annual #TaxFreeWeekend will take place August 29-30.

The #SalesTaxHoliday is a great way to support consumers and small businesses. This year it’s a great way to support our economy that’s been impacted by #COVID19MA

➡️ https://t.co/yzSrpao6F0 pic.twitter.com/w91wfMfCu3
— Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) June 23, 2020