Sales Tax Exemptions on Purchases

For Tufts employees who purchase goods and services on behalf of Tufts University, it is expected that all retailers and suppliers will request a completed Tax-Exempt Purchaser Certificate in order for the university to avoid paying a sales, use or meals tax.  Information required on the Tax-Exempt Certificate will include the name of the tax-exempt entity; date of purchase; and a university taxpayer identification number. Some examples when the university is exempt from sales, use and meals tax will generally apply to the following conditions:

• When purchases and meals are used in the conduct of the university’s exempt purpose and mission (e.g. education and research)
• When the university is billed directly and no amount is paid by the consumer
• If meals are for the benefit of students
• When meals are purchased as part of University business that includes employees and guest of the university

Purchases made through Amazon: For instructions on how to obtain tax-exempt status for Amazon.com purchases please direct all inquiries using the following e-mail address:  purchasing@tufts.edu

Hotel Taxes: As a general rule, when traveling outside of Massachusetts, university personnel are more than likely required to pay a local and state hotel tax.  Some states do, however, offer sales/use tax exemptions if proper documentation is provided at the time of payment.

State Sales & Meals Tax: Tufts University is generally exempt in the following states:

Tax Exempt Forms: State tax exemption forms are available to download.