Tax holiday coming -- August 12 and 13

Massachusetts shoppers will get a reprieve from the state's 5 percent sales tax next weekend. Gov. Mitt Romney signed a bill repealing the levy on Aug. 12 and 13 for purchases of $2,500 or less.

The tax would still apply to cars, boats and tobacco. The state had its first, one-day tax-free day in 2004, which was extended to two days last year.
(By Keith Reed, Globe staff)