Ayotte Encourages Shopping in NH Before Massachusetts Tax Holiday

BEDFORD, N.H. — Ahead of the Massachusetts sales tax holiday this weekend, New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte is promoting year-round tax-free shopping in the Granite State.

On Wednesday, Ayotte, an avid runner, made a stop at Millennium Running in Bedford while addressing potential consumers from across the state line. She urged Massachusetts residents to take advantage of the lack of sales tax in New Hampshire any day of the year.

“I know that Massachusetts is having this so-called tax holiday this weekend,” Ayotte said. “Every single day in New Hampshire, we do not have a sales tax. So, come to New Hampshire. You can buy what you want any day of the week, and you don’t have to pay a sales tax.”

The Massachusetts sales tax holiday is planned for this coming weekend, but the stakes are high according to the Retailers Association of Massachusetts. A 2015 study indicated that the tax holiday generates an average of $168 million in sales that could otherwise benefit New Hampshire or online retailers.

The study also found that the two days of tax-free shopping create an average of 627 jobs in Massachusetts and increase real disposable income by about $37 million.

In a counter-response, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey emphasized her state’s advantages. “Massachusetts is ranked the No. 1 state for education, health care, innovation and to raise a family,” Healey said in a statement. “I encourage shoppers from across Massachusetts and the globe to visit our incredible businesses on the sales tax holiday and every day and for businesses to look to Massachusetts to build their future.”

Ayotte noted that the New Hampshire advantage extends beyond tax policy. “Which is very, very real and in such a contrast to Massachusetts,” she said. “It’s about our freedom, our way of life.”