Bill > H3659

This bill establishes a sales tax holiday in Massachusetts for the weekend of August 15 and 16, 2015, meaning that during these two days, an excise, which is a type of tax, will not be imposed on most retail sales of tangible personal property, which refers to physical goods. However, this exemption does not apply to certain items, including telecommunications, tobacco products, gas, steam, electricity, motor vehicles, motorboats, meals, or any single item costing more than $2,500. Vendors are also prohibited from collecting this excise from customers during the holiday period, and the commissioner of revenue, who is responsible for tax collection, will not require vendors to pay over taxes on these specific sales. While reporting requirements for vendors remain in place, the commissioner of revenue is tasked with certifying the amount of sales tax forgone and reporting on any related revenue changes by the end of 2015, and will also issue necessary guidance for implementing this act, with the holiday specifically applying only to sales where possession is transferred or full payment is made on those two designated days, excluding prior sales or layaway arrangements.