Miceli Supports Tax Holiday, Reduction In Sales Tax

(Editor's note: The following information was submitted by the office of State Rep. Jim Miceli.)

joined with his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in approving legislation that would allow a sales tax free weekend on August 13-14, in an effort to promote state businesses.

Further amendments to the bill included a move to reduce the state sales tax rate from 6.25 to 5 percent over the next two years.  House Democrats voted to uphold Speaker DeLeo’s ruling that such permanent changes to the tax code should not be considered during a debate over the weekend exemption.

Rep. Miceli and two other House Democrats joined with the Republicans in voting to reduce the sales tax.

“The sales tax holiday legislation will definitely provide relief for taxpayers once again this year” said Miceli.

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

Last year's two-day August sales tax holiday saved taxpayers an estimated $19.9 million. A tax holiday weekend would likely give up $20 million in sales taxes this year, according to the Department of Revenue estimates.