June 25, 2025
Small Business Summit
Rep. Ken Sweezey (6th Plymouth) and Rep. Steven Xiarhos (5th Barnstable)
pictured with speakers Ryan Kearney, RAM, Chris Carlozzi,
NFIB and Jessica Moore, MA Restaurant Association
RAM Member Neil Abramson, Everything Cutie, Leominster posed
a question to Commissioner Michael Caljouw, Division of Insurance.
On June 18th, RAM partnered with the National Federation of Independent Businesses and the Massachusetts Restaurant Association to host the 2025 Small Business Summit at the Massachusetts State House. Attended by over fifty small businesses from across the Commonwealth, the event was designed to bring awareness to the issues and challenges impacting their bottom lines, identify recommended solutions, and advocate for change with elected officials.
The event program consisted of presentations from experts on key areas of concern for small businesses, including rising health insurance premiums and expenses, unemployment insurance tax hikes, increasing energy bills, payment card interchange fees, and labor costs. Following the presentations attendees conducted visits with their elected officials to request relief. To learn more about the topics discussed, please click here for an issue summary.
News Updates from the MA Department of Revenue (DOR)…
Save the Date: August 9 and 10, Sales Tax Holiday
The Massachusetts sales tax holiday dates have been set for August 9 and 10 this year. During these two days, retail purchases of $2,500 or less in Massachusetts will be exempt from sales tax, with some exceptions. Review the FAQs to find out what is and isn’t covered by the sales tax holiday.
Update on Advance Payment Penalties
Starting July 1, we are introducing an automated assessment process for advance payment penalties. Penalties will be imposed when taxpayers required to make advance payments each month don’t submit the required payment by the 25th of the month.
You can respond to the notice of assessment through MassTaxConnect using the new “Respond to Advance Payment Penalty” request if you believe:
- you are not subject to the advance payment requirement, or
- the assessed amount is incorrect.
Tobacco Stamper License Renewal
Attention wholesale tobacco stampers: This is your annual reminder that wholesale stamper licenses will expire on June 30, 2025. The license renewal process is open and active on MassTaxConnect. Review the Cigarette, Tobacco, and Vaping Excise Tax FAQ page for additional details .
RAMAES are coming soon!
Submit your nominations today!
The Retailers Association of Massachusetts Awards of Excellence (RAMAEs) honor small and large retailers, rookies and veterans, identifying hidden gems from all corners of the Commonwealth.
You could be one of this year's recipients. Submit a nomination for your business. Tell us what makes you unique.
As an expert, you can also help us identify additional businesses who deserve to be recognized for their resilience, innovation, customer service or going above and beyond to make the retail and dining experience memorable.
There is no limit to the number of businesses you can nominate. So nominate your business and all those you love as well. There are so many incredible retail stores and restaurants in MA who could be deserving of this recognition. Help us find our 2025 winners!
The winners will be celebrated at a luncheon on November 19 in Waltham, and all RAM members are invited to attend!
Click here to submit your nominations.
RAM Testifies:
Before the Division of Insurance
Re: 2026 Merged Market Filed Health Insurance Rates
June 17, 2025
Click here to read the written testimony of Jon Hurst, President & CEO
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