Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker Thursday signed a law declaring a sales tax free weekend August 15 and 16.
Baker acknowledged the tax break costs the state revenue, but he said it is something consumers and retailers have come to expect. Massachusetts has had a sales tax holiday weekend in all but one year since 2004.
Jon Hurst , president of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, said it helps local stores capture sales that would otherwise go to other states or online where no sales tax is collected.
" We would urge our consumers to really remember how important it is to shop local and invest in their 'Main Streets', if they want their ' Main Streets' to survive and thrive," said Hurst at Thursday's bill signing at the Statehouse.
The sales tax suspension does not apply to cars, boats, and tobacco products and items costing more than $2,500.
