麻州預定8月10、11放稅假

麻州議會預定本週通過立法，在8月10、11日這兩天，再給州民放稅假，買東西只要2500元以下，就不必付6.25%的銷售稅。
麻州參眾兩議會已於7月31日通過此案。參眾兩會議長，泰瑞莎穆瑞及狄樂歐，今日發出共同聲名，已把此案交到麻州州長派區克(Deval Patrick)桌上，就等他簽署成法。

儘管有些經濟學家說，放稅假其實並沒有刺激消費者花錢，只是改變了消費者花錢的時間，還讓州政府損失2千萬元稅收，但近年來已成為議員、消費者、零售商都喜愛的一項活動。

過去9年來，除了2009年，麻州每年都有一個週末放稅假。

Legislature Passes Sales Tax Holiday Bill

Sets Tax-Free Weekend in August to Stimulate Local Business

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Legislature today approved a bill to create a sales tax holiday on August 10^th and 11^th, marking the eighth year the Commonwealth will provide a two-day sales tax exemption.

The legislation is designed to increase sales for local businesses and provide relief to consumers, particularly as families prepare for a new school year.

“The sales tax holiday is an opportunity to help individuals, families and businesses across the Commonwealth,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “While the Massachusetts economy is continuing to improve, folks are still facing tough fiscal times. By passing this legislation, the House of Representatives reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local businesses and keeping jobs in Massachusetts.”

“Continuing the sales tax holiday is good for our recovering economy,” said Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth). “Not only does it boost sales but it puts extra money in people’s pockets, raises consumer confidence and helps families and parents who have to buy electronics for back-to-school. This legislation provides much-needed financial relief to residents while benefiting both large and small retail businesses.”

“The summer sales tax holiday benefits businesses and consumers alike at a time when both could use a break,” said Representative Joseph Wagner (D-Chicopee), Chairman of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. “Suspending the tax in August boosts sales during a particularly slow period and allows families to save on a variety of purchases, including back-to-school items.”

"The sales tax holiday is very popular with consumers and businesses alike,” said Senator Gale D. Candaras (D-Wilbraham), Chairwoman of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. “It provides a critical end-of-summer boost for businesses and helps take some of the financial burden off of families as they prepare to send their children back to school. It's a win-win. I encourage our residents to take advantage of it.”

As in previous years, the sales tax holiday will apply to purchases under $2,500. It excludes vehicles, motorized boats, tobacco, meals and utilities.