The Massachusetts Legislature enabled local communities to impose a tax on meals. The new tax has been bringing in more money than was originally anticipated.
In total, 73 communities have instituted the new tax. It was projected that Boston would raise an additional $1.4 million in revenue, and it wound up bringing in $1.5 million in October, the first month the tax was put in place. Medford more than doubled the state’s projection.
While it has proven to be a new source of revenue, the tax is being met with resistance from business owners, restaurants, and others in the community tired of more taxes.