Tax Free Weekend,a nd I'm being charged tax?

[Marbles]

For those who don't know.
Massachusetts is having a Tax Free Weekend.
The 17th and 18th of August there is no sales tax on any purchase under $2500.

Yet, when I took advantage of this to buy games on Steam, all are being charged tax.
Any way to get the few bucks in tax back, or am I SOL?

[Zekiran]

Perhaps send this info directly to Support. I doubt they know about any such 'weekends'.

[cSg|mc-Hotsauce]

I thought that was for school supplies.



Edit: Steam is not part of the tax free weekend...

Do all retail items qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption?

No. The following do not qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption:

• Steam

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/sales-tax-holiday-frequently-asked-questions#overview-

[nullable]

Originally posted by cSg|mc-Hotsauce:

Do all retail items qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption?

No. The following do not qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption:

• Steam

Hahahaha

(Please don't explain to me me how this is referring to a utility)

[cSg|mc-Hotsauce]

Originally posted by Brockenstein:

Originally posted by cSg|mc-Hotsauce:

Hahahaha

(Please don't explain to me me how this is referring to a utility)

Shh...



Edit: Maybe the OP will actually read it and know what to do...?

[nullable]

Yes, I didn't spoil that part.

[cSg|mc-Hotsauce]

Happened last year too.

[Sleepy Yoshi]

"Do all retailers have to participate in the sales tax holiday?
Yes. All businesses normally making taxable sales of tangible property in Massachusetts or to purchasers in Massachusetts that are open for business on August 17 and 18 must participate in the sales tax holiday, including internet vendors."

So this would depend on how your state defines tangible property. I know here digital games/music are considered intangible, but it varies from country to country or in the case of the US from state to state. The fact you're charged sales tax to begin with does imply they are treated as tangible goods though.

[On Vacation]

Originally posted by fauxtronic:

All you need to do on that page is ctrl+f 'steam'.

As cSg|mc-Hotsauce pointed out above, Steam is exempt from the offer, regardless of the goods Steam sells; regardless of how the law defines tangible property.

Did you legitimately miss the joke?

[Kargor]

Originally posted by fauxtronic:

All you need to do on that page is ctrl+f 'steam'.

As cSg|mc-Hotsauce pointed out above, Steam is exempt from the offer, regardless of the goods Steam sells; regardless of how the law defines tangible property.

I doubt the "Steam" in this FAQ refers to the Valve company; such exemptions are usually NOT made for specific companies. Seeing that it's listed as "Gas", "Steam", "Electricty", I suspect they are talking about actual hot-water Steam, which might still be used for heating in some cases.

However, I suspecr the key thing with regard to (Valve-)Steam is that (Valve-)Steam might not be selling "retail items", and certainly not "tangible items".

[Sleepy Yoshi]

Originally posted by fauxtronic:

lol, yes, I missed the joke.

I actually missed it as well in that I couldn't figure it out. I knew they wouldn't list an individual company, but steam utilities? I thought that was a bygone era. Apparently though steam heating etc is not only still a thing but actually quite a big thing in some cities like Manhattan and Boston. The more you know I guess.

[Mad Scientist]

You: MA
Steam HQ: WA.

[About47Pandas]

Originally posted by fauxtronic:

All you need to do on that page is ctrl+f 'steam'.

As cSg|mc-Hotsauce pointed out above, Steam is exempt from the offer, regardless of the goods Steam sells; regardless of how the law defines tangible property.

Tangible Property? -- I dont think property is the right term. You are not buying any games on steam, you are buying subscriptions to games on steam.

If you are not suppose to be paying Taxes on those days, get the receipt on steam and take it off of your taxes. Easy day. Unless you dont do your taxes. I dunno.

[Marbles]

Originally posted by Sleepy Yoshi:

"Do all retailers have to participate in the sales tax holiday?
Yes. All businesses normally making taxable sales of tangible property in Massachusetts or to purchasers in Massachusetts that are open for business on August 17 and 18 must participate in the sales tax holiday, including internet vendors."

So this would depend on how your state defines tangible property. I know here digital games/music are considered intangible, but it varies from country to country or in the case of the US from state to state. The fact you're charged sales tax to begin with does imply they are treated as tangible goods though.

PSN, XBL, and ESHOP all didn't charge tax over the weekend
Nor did AMAZON VIDEO
So, I think it's fair to say digital goods are not exempt, and steam might have missed the info

Either way, I have flagged the purchases and contacted Steam.

I honestly thought these were supposed forums, which is why I asked here.

[About47Pandas]

Originally posted by 暗悪 Jiryn:

I honestly thought these were supposed forums, which is why I asked here.

Supposed forums? Support? --- Nah The accessible forums are for the community and moderated by the community and devs(for their particular games) I think ive seen 2 valve employees post on the forums but that was back in like 2004 when the community didnt try to over zealously befriend them.

[Marbles]

Coincidentally, the MA page was right..
Steam is an exclusion, as in the Steam store.
The admins just contacted my support ticket.