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“For families that are still struggling, still trying to make ends meet, this is a way for some real savings,” state Sen. Carlo Leone (D-Stamford and Darien) said at a press conference Wednesday.
Connecticut’s annual holiday from the sales tax for clothes and shoes will run Sunday, Aug. 18, through Saturday, Aug. 24, for 2013.
During this week, individual items of clothing and footwear that cost less than $300 are exempt from state sales tax – other than sports equipment, specialty clothing, jewelry and accessories. Store sales, catalog and online purchases, purchases on layaway and rentals also are exempt.
Normally, the exemption is for clothing costing less than $50. Beyond that, the state's 6.35 percent sales tax usually is charged.
For more details on the clothing and rules, visit this website.
Tax-free purchases are expected to save consumers as much as $7.5 million statewide, state officials said. On average, it is estimated families will spend nearly $700 on back-to-school purchases this year.
The tax holiday, an annual event that began in 2000, is mandated by state law and held each year from the third Sunday in August to the following Saturday to provide savings to families preparing for the new school year.
Leone and his fellow State Sen. Bob Duff (D-Norwalk, Darien) met with members of the Darien Chamber of Commerce and state Rep. Terrie Wood (R-Darien, Norwalk) on Wednesday to remind residents to shop locally during tax-free week. The added sales for the week are “a great way to support the local economy,” Leone said.
“There’s no better place to shop than downtown Darien if you live in Darien,” Duff added.
For more information on tax-free week, check the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services website or call 860-297-5962.
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