Massachusetts may hold sales tax holiday after all

[Ian David]

BOSTON -- The on-again, off-again sales tax holiday may be on again for Bay State shoppers.

There appears to be a renewed push to have a tax-free weekend next month. As recently as last week, the idea appeared all but dead for this summer.

The tax holiday has the support of Governor Patrick, House Speaker Sal DiMasi and Senate President Therese Murray. The Retailers Association of Massachusetts is also lobbying hard for the holiday, which retailers see as a way to jump-start business during a traditionally slow shopping month.

Massachusetts held a one-day tax holiday in 2004 and a tax-free weekend in both 2005 and 2006. The sales tax was waived on nearly all items up to $25,000, although it did not apply to tobacco or restaurant meals.

http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/local/BO57726/