Commonwealth of Massachusetts Information

Best Practice:   Before booking your hotel, call ahead to verify state tax law compliance. If your hotel does not comply with state tax law, it is recommended that you chose an alternate hotel.

Am I exempt from state taxes?

IBA/ Travel Card - Yes IBA travel cards are exempt.  In order to claim exemption as a federal employee along with the ST-5 form you must provide the hotel the following:

1.  A government identification as proof of being a federal government employee.
2.  Proof that the employee is traveling at the direction of the federal government during the period of occupancy.

For further details on the approved documentation of proof of employment needed when traveling, please view the "Room Occupancy Excise Tax" section on the Massachusetts Department of Revenue website.

CBA/ Purchase Card - Yes, CBA cards are exempt.

What forms if any will I need?
Form ST-5

*Note:  Although you may be exempt from state taxes, you may be liable to pay local taxes.  Please verify local taxes with the point of contact provided below.

Who is the main point of contact?
Massachusetts Department of Revenue, Exempt Organizations Unit:
(617) 887-6367

What are the important links?
Massachusetts Department of Revenue

Are there any additional information or instructions?
No

Are surcharges allowed in this state?
Even though VISA/ MasterCard have eliminated the prohibition against credit card surcharges, merchants in this state are barred from imposing surcharges because it is illegal under state law.

Updated is as of January 6, 2013