WATER CITY – Tax-free weekend is just days away in Massachusetts, and the discounts are intended to boost business for local retailers.
Mickey Lourenco’s Watertown Tile has been in business for 20 years and prides itself on customer service. The store, which is normally closed on Sundays, will be open.
“We have glass tiles in different colors and sizes. I guarantee you that no one has a better price than me,” Lourenco said.
And prices will soon drop. On August 10 and 11, the state’s 6.25 percent sales tax on most retail items will be lifted. “All coming at once,” Lourenco said.
The tax-free weekend is intended to provide financial support to families through lower prices at the checkout and to support small businesses that may lose customers to tax-free states like New Hampshire.
“Keeps buyers here in Massachusetts”
The Retailers Association of Massachusetts stated: “This weekend, people can shop here in Massachusetts and have the opportunity to save on sales tax.”
Laurence Kotlikoff, an economics professor at Boston University, is encouraging shoppers to spend money this weekend. “The sales tax in Massachusetts is pretty high,” Kotlikoff said. “I think this is a great thing for the consumer because they can buy a lot of products that they will use throughout the year at 6.2% off.”
There are many things consumers can purchase tax-free, but there are also some things that cannot. These items include anything over $2,500, meals, alcohol, cannabis products, and cars.
The financial relief will still benefit the buyers.
“I need to get a lot of folders and notebooks, I need a backpack,” said Boston student Ish Malik, who is going back to school in the fall. She made a trip to Target on Wednesday, but she’ll be back this weekend to buy more.
“It’s something that adds up over time,” Malik said. “It’ll probably help quite a bit.”
Eligible online purchases are eligible for tax exemption.
Laura Haefeli
