All articles tagged with #sales tax
Massachusetts' Aug. 8–9 tax-free weekend waives the 6.25% sales tax on many consumer items under $2,500 (with electronics, furniture and back-to-school gear among the best deals), but business purchases, meals, telecom, tobacco and alcohol remain taxed, as do vehicles under $2,500; plan around the limits and watch for retailer promos to maximize savings.
Apple updated its site with a 2026 tax-free holiday list detailing which products—primarily Macs, iPads and accessories, with iPhone and Apple Vision Pro included in a few states—are eligible in 10 states. The holidays run roughly July 17–August 20 (dates vary by state) and savings may not show at checkout but will appear on the final receipt; the offer can pair with Apple’s Back to School promotion (free or discounted accessory or gift card) with qualifying purchases.
Apple published its 2026 sales tax holiday schedule covering 10 states, detailing which devices qualify and the price caps, with windows ranging from July 17–19 in Alabama to August 9 in several states; eligibility varies from $60 chargers to $1,500 per-item limits.
Facing a large budget gap, BART warns that voters' rejection of a regional sales tax could trigger up to 15 station closures and about 1,200 layoffs in 2027, plus reduced service, shorter hours, and longer wait times.
Gov. Mike Kehoe proposed placing a statewide ballot question to begin phasing out Missouri’s personal income tax within five years, funded by expanding the sales tax to cover digital and modern services (excluding agriculture, health care, and real estate). The move would require constitutional changes and legislative action, and faces opposition from Democrats who warn it could amount to a large tax increase even as Kehoe argues it would boost growth and provide local tax relief.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed a one-time 'inflation refund' payment of $300 for individuals earning under $150,000 and $500 for families earning under $300,000, funded by excess sales tax revenue. The proposal, aimed at alleviating the high cost of living, will be considered by the legislature in January, with potential payments starting in fall 2025.
Illinois consumers may need to swipe their credit cards twice—once for the purchase and once for the sales tax—if Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs a new budget and revenue package. This change, aimed at capping the fees financial institutions can charge on sales tax transactions, has sparked concerns about implementation challenges and potential fraud. Retailers support the measure for the financial relief it offers, while critics argue it complicates payment processing.
After a sales tax measure to fund renovations for Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, was rejected by Jackson County, Missouri residents, leaving the stadium's future uncertain, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson pitched the idea of the Chiefs returning to Dallas, citing the city's large market and love for football. Johnson believes Dallas can support two NFL teams and referenced the franchise's roots as the Dallas Texans before moving to Kansas City in 1963.
Voters in the Kansas City metro area rejected a sales tax that would have provided $500 million to the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, with the "no" side winning 58% of the vote despite being significantly outspent. This decision reflects a trend of reluctance among voters to subsidize professional sports teams with public funds.
Residents of Jackson County, Missouri, rejected a sales tax measure that would have funded a new downtown ballpark for the Royals and major renovations to Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs, throwing the future of both teams in Kansas City into uncertainty. The Royals and Chiefs had pledged significant private investments, but the tax measure was ultimately rejected by over 58% of voters. The teams may now consider alternative funding approaches, including potential offers from other cities and states, as their current lease at Truman Sports Complex lasts through 2031.
Voters in Jackson County, Missouri, rejected a ballot initiative to extend a sales tax, which would have funded a new downtown stadium for the Kansas City Royals and renovations to Arrowhead Stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs. The teams expressed disappointment at the overwhelming margin of the vote, raising questions about their future in Kansas City. Both teams had committed to staying in the Truman Sports Complex until 2031, but the rejection of the sales tax extension has left their long-term plans uncertain.
Jackson County voters rejected a sales tax to fund renovations for Arrowhead Stadium and a new stadium for the Royals, leaving the future of the Chiefs in doubt. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed disappointment but aims to work with the teams for a collaborative process. Chiefs team president Mark Donovan acknowledged the decision and expressed disappointment, while also emphasizing the team's commitment to their fans and organization as they move forward.
The Chiefs and Royals have warned that if the upcoming vote to extend a sales tax for their benefit fails, they will consider other options for where they will play in 2031. In a letter to the Jackson County Legislature, they criticized County Executive Frank White for delaying stadium construction/renovation deals and vetoing the ballot measure. The letter also highlighted the economic benefits the teams bring to the county, but it remains uncertain whether the broader community will support the tax extension.
The Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals have pledged $266 million in "Community Benefits Agreements" to Jackson County, Missouri, contingent on the extension of a sales tax through a vote on April 2. Critics view this as a form of bribery, arguing that not extending the tax would benefit the county more than the promised funds. The teams' tactics, including threats of relocation and promises of free money, may further galvanize opposition to the tax extension.
Jackson County voters will decide on extending a sales tax to fund a new downtown Kansas City Royals stadium, but the proposed tax won't cover the full cost, leaving a $700 million funding gap. The team is in talks with city officials and Missouri Gov. Mike Parson to fill the gap with taxpayer dollars. However, details of the project's financing won't be made public until after the vote. If approved, the sales tax extension would generate over $2 billion, with the Royals receiving $1 billion for the new stadium, but that would only cover a third of the costs. The lack of financial details has raised concerns, and Missouri will not finalize any financial commitment until after the vote.