Bill > H2596

This bill establishes a temporary "meals tax holiday" in Massachusetts, suspending the state tax on meals, which is imposed under chapter 64H of the General Laws, for the period of March 22-27, 2015. During this holiday, restaurants will not be required to collect or pay this state excise tax on meals sold, though any tax erroneously collected must be remitted to the department of revenue. Importantly, any local option meals taxes imposed by cities or towns will still be collectible. Restaurants will still need to comply with existing reporting requirements, such as filing tax returns. The commissioner of revenue is tasked with reporting the amount of state sales tax forgone due to this holiday, as well as any new revenue generated from other taxes, to the comptroller and legislative committees. The commissioner will also issue necessary guidance for implementing this act, and it will not affect chapter 64L of the General Laws, which deals with local option taxes on prepared meals.