Halloween is right around the corner and in just a few short weeks, ghouls and goblins will roam their neighborhoods looking for treats and playing tricks. The figurehead of the Halloween season, the mighty Jack-O-Lantern, has been the topic of questions posed to the Attorney General’s Office Public Inquiry and Assistance Center.
Can stores charge sales tax on a pumpkin? Generally speaking, if you can eat it, then it is tax exempt. Many things that we use as fall decorations are actually edible including pumpkins, gourds, and corn. However, if the items are clearly for decorative purposes then they may be taxed. Gourds that have been shellacked or pumpkins with faces painted on them may fall in to this category. If the item is considered an ornament or decoration sales tax may be charged. For questions on sales tax you can call the Massachusetts Department of Revenue at (617) 887-6367.
Before you begin decorating this holiday season, you may want to consider a Do-It-Yourself project rather than the ready made route. It may save you some pennies and who knows, it could even be fun!
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