Bill would make Aug. 11-12 a sales tax holiday

Bay State shoppers are one step closer to a tax-free holiday this summer.

A bill that would let consumers avoid paying the state’s 5 percent sales tax on the weekend of Aug. 11-12 is on its way to Governor Deval Patrick.

The bill won approval in the Senate after passing the House last week.

The tax break would apply only to purchases of up to $2,500. The state has approved similar tax holidays in each of the past three years.

A spokesman for Patrick said the governor supports the idea.

Backers of the bill say it’s a way to give a boost to businesses at a traditionally slow time of year.

Officials estimate the holiday would cost state government $30 million to $50 million in tax revenue.
(AP)