Lyons Votes for Upcoming Sales Tax Holiday

This release was submitted by the office of Rep. Jim Lyons, R-Andover. 

On July 27, State Representatives Jim Lyons (R-Andover) joined his 31 Republican House colleagues in voting for legislation that authorizes a "sales tax holiday" over the weekend of August 13 and 14.

With unanimous Republican support, the bill passed the entire House by a vote of 123 - 23. The measure gives taxpayers a temporary break by exempting retail purchases valued under $2500 from the state’s 6.25% sales tax. This is expected to result in a one-time $20 million tax cut for families in Massachusetts.

“This tax holiday is one instance where we were able to help both struggling businesses and working families of the Merrimack Valley,” said Representative Lyons. "Because of our proximity to New Hampshire, sales tax relief is particularly important to retail shopping in our region."

During the same session, House Republicans also sponsored proposals to provide comprehensive and permanent sales tax reform. 

One measure proposed making the sales tax holiday an annual event; the second amendment sought to roll back the sales tax to 5% over a span of two years.

“In order to provide real tax relief," Lyons said, "we introduced a two-step process rolling back the sales tax to its traditional 5% rate. Now that the state's tax revenues are up over $2 billion when compared with last year, we must focus on job creation and economic growth. By rolling back tax hikes, we will provide a strong economy for the small businesses and working families of the 18th Essex district."