July 30, 2025
Reminder: The Sales Tax Holiday Weekend
August 9th & 10th
RAM members are reminded that the MA Sales Tax Holiday weekend is set for August 9th and 10th. The annual consumer tax incentive suspends the sales tax for individual purchases of single items of tangible personal property costing $2,500 or less, with certain exceptions. Specific rules governing the Sales Tax Holiday can be found in the Department of Revenue’s (DOR) regulation, 830 CMR 64H.1.8: Sales Tax Holiday.
Further guidance can be found in the DOR’s Sales Tax Holiday Frequently Asked Questions.
MA Attorney General Releases Updated Guidance on Junk Fee Regulations
Yesterday, the office of MA Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell released updated guidance for businesses on how to comply with the new “Junk Fee” regulations, 940 CMR 38.00: Unfair and Deceptive Fees.
- The guidance document is here.
- In addition to the guidance, the AG also issued this short webinar.
- The AG’s full announcement regarding the release of the guidance is here.
- The regulations take effect on September 2, 2025.
The AG’s stated intent in implementing these regulations is “to help consumers understand the total cost of a product or service upfront, avoid unnecessary charges and easily cancel unwanted costs that may be optional, waivable, or unwanted, including costs related to trial and subscription offers. Additionally, by increasing price transparency and helping consumers to more easily compare prices while shopping, the regulations level the playing field for businesses.”
Over the past 18 months since the draft regulations were initially proposed, RAM has been engaged with our members and others in the business community in an ongoing dialogue with the Attorney General and her staff to address member concerns with the regulations. RAM submitted multiple sets of comments and clarifying questions to the AG during this process, based on member feedback.
As we continue to assess this new guidance, all members are encouraged to review the regulations and guidance to ensure compliance with pricing, advertising and price disclosure practices.
If you have any questions or comments on this matter, please contact RAM’s Senior Vice President Bill Rennie at [email protected].
Black Cannabis Week
All Services Day
RAM member The Chill Haven presents Black Cannabis Week Boston 2025 with an All Services Day on Monday, August 4 from 4:00 - 8:00 pm at 1518 Blue Hill Ave, Mattapan, MA 02126.
This empowering evening will focus on providing essential resources and real opportunities for the community. Whether you’re seeking to enter the cannabis industry, need help sealing your record, or want to apply for a medical card, this event is here to support you.
Click here for more information and to register.
Verizon Event in Boston:
Small Business Supplier Accelerator
RAM members are invited, on Thursday, August 7th, to an evening designed to empower your small business. This event will provide an overview of Small Business Digital Ready, Verizon's free learning platform offering on-demand courses, expert coaching, networking and grant opportunities. The event will also feature a live workshop on AI for Small Business, exploring how artificial intelligence can revolutionize your marketing. Learn about Verizon's Small Business Supplier Accelerator, a $5 billion commitment to help small businesses like yours work with Verizon and other large corporations through specialized training, faster payment terms, and modified requirements.
Enjoy complimentary professional headshots, networking, and refreshments. Don't miss this chance to gain valuable insights, connect with other entrepreneurs, and discover new opportunities for growth!
Location
Verizon Downtown Crossing Store 340 Washington St, Boston, MA 02108
Networking, refreshments and free headshots begin at 3pm, then programming begins at 4pm. There will be a brief AI workshop, as well as an overview of Verizon's new Small Business Supplier Accelerator - a $5B commitment to facilitate contracting between Verizon and small business suppliers.
Click here to register.
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