There will soon be no sales tax on original works of art made and sold in Rhode Island. Lawmakers voted earlier this year to eliminate the 7 percent sales tax on locally made artwork, hoping to bolster the state’s arts economy. The sales tax exemption takes effect Sunday. It applies to paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, plays, books, and crafts made in Rhode Island. The artwork must be original and of limited edition. Previously, the state had several small arts districts in which locally made art could be sold tax-free. The change essentially makes the entire state of Rhode Island one large arts district. Officials said they hope the timing of the new exemption encourages consumers to buy Rhode Island-made art for holiday gifts.
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