State sales tax holidays for 2009 start now!
Filed under: Shopping, Tax, School
Each year, some U.S. states hold tax holidays -- short periods where state sales taxed are waived on selected items. Most often, these items are school-related, and the tax holiday is timed for school-shopping season. For example, Missourians can spend up to $3,500 on computers on August 7-9 and pay no sales tax on the purchase, a potential savings of almost $148.
Other states use the tax holidays to entice residents to trade in their appliances for more efficient energy star models, or prepare for natural disasters such as hurricanes. Louisiana has the least restrictive holiday, waiving taxes on all non-business personal items up to $2,500 on August 7-8. The most unusual holiday? South Carolina's, which celebrates the start of winter hunting season with a two-day tax waiver on rifles, shotguns, and shotguns.
This year, many states are struggling to meet their budgets, and some have debated ending tax holidays. Washington, D.C. canceled its planned August tax holiday just a few weeks ago. We'll update our chart as quickly as possible in such an event, so check back before heading to the mall. Good hunting!
Thanks to the Federation of Tax Administrators
Each state makes its own decision about what does or does not qualify for this program, so if in doubt check your state's tax web site for clarification. As an example, here is part of North Carolina's list:
Clothing covered by the North Carolina tax holiday includes -
a. aprons, household and shop;
b. athletic supporters;
c. baby receiving blankets;
d. bandannas;
e. bathing suits and caps; beach capes and coats;
f. belts and suspenders;
g. boots; overshoes;
h. coats, jackets, capes, and wraps;
i. costumes (does not include costume masks sold separately);
j. diapers (children and adults, including disposables);
k. earmuffs; gloves and mittens for general use; hats and caps; hosiery; scarves;
l. formal wear (rentals are not eligible);
m. garters and garter belts; girdles; leotards and tights; panty hose; socks; stockings and footlets; underwear;
n. insoles for shoes;
o. jogging suits;
p. lab coats;
q. neckties;
r. rainwear; rubber pants;
s. sandals; shoes and shoelaces; slippers; sneakers; steel-toed shoes;
t. uniforms (athletic and nonathletic when purchased for non-business use); and
u. wedding apparel (does not include rentals).
Items NOT included -
a. briefcases;
b. cosmetics;
c. fabric, thread, yarn, and other such items purchased to make clothing;
d. hair notions, including barrettes, hair bows, hairnets, and similar items;
e. handbags;
f. handkerchiefs;
g. jewelry;
h. sunglasses (nonprescription);
i. umbrellas;
j. wallets;
k. watches; and
l. wigs and hairpieces.
In these days when every penny counts, how can you pass up a chance to beat the state sales tax? Time to stock up!
Other states use the tax holidays to entice residents to trade in their appliances for more efficient energy star models, or prepare for natural disasters such as hurricanes. Louisiana has the least restrictive holiday, waiving taxes on all non-business personal items up to $2,500 on August 7-8. The most unusual holiday? South Carolina's, which celebrates the start of winter hunting season with a two-day tax waiver on rifles, shotguns, and shotguns.
This year, many states are struggling to meet their budgets, and some have debated ending tax holidays. Washington, D.C. canceled its planned August tax holiday just a few weeks ago. We'll update our chart as quickly as possible in such an event, so check back before heading to the mall. Good hunting!
Thanks to the Federation of Tax Administrators
Each state makes its own decision about what does or does not qualify for this program, so if in doubt check your state's tax web site for clarification. As an example, here is part of North Carolina's list:
Clothing covered by the North Carolina tax holiday includes -
a. aprons, household and shop;
b. athletic supporters;
c. baby receiving blankets;
d. bandannas;
e. bathing suits and caps; beach capes and coats;
f. belts and suspenders;
g. boots; overshoes;
h. coats, jackets, capes, and wraps;
i. costumes (does not include costume masks sold separately);
j. diapers (children and adults, including disposables);
k. earmuffs; gloves and mittens for general use; hats and caps; hosiery; scarves;
l. formal wear (rentals are not eligible);
m. garters and garter belts; girdles; leotards and tights; panty hose; socks; stockings and footlets; underwear;
n. insoles for shoes;
o. jogging suits;
p. lab coats;
q. neckties;
r. rainwear; rubber pants;
s. sandals; shoes and shoelaces; slippers; sneakers; steel-toed shoes;
t. uniforms (athletic and nonathletic when purchased for non-business use); and
u. wedding apparel (does not include rentals).
Items NOT included -
a. briefcases;
b. cosmetics;
c. fabric, thread, yarn, and other such items purchased to make clothing;
d. hair notions, including barrettes, hair bows, hairnets, and similar items;
e. handbags;
f. handkerchiefs;
g. jewelry;
h. sunglasses (nonprescription);
i. umbrellas;
j. wallets;
k. watches; and
l. wigs and hairpieces.
In these days when every penny counts, how can you pass up a chance to beat the state sales tax? Time to stock up!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
7-30-2009 @ 11:32PM
Lou said...
I stay in Georgia and it started today!! Great way to save money. I'm glad the state does this every year.
Lou@ http://EarningFreeMoney.com
Reply
8-05-2009 @ 10:05AM
hellokitty said...
Life is so cool !!! a good place for us Seeking for the stimulation------W ealthylovin g -C O M ----i think u would like it,,,trust me u may find something make u excited.now join free
8-05-2009 @ 8:18AM
kevin said...
c.mon ohio give us part of this tax break,u tax us buckeyes to death
Reply
8-05-2009 @ 11:30AM
jeancarres said...
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It's gets people talking and some call back just to find out where to buy their own TickleMe Plant Party Favors
Use coupon code PLANT for a $2.00 discount.
8-05-2009 @ 4:36PM
Bob said...
What You want Ohio to give us a tax break? Not counting the Federal tax we (wife and I) pay, just Ohio it's:
State Income tax
Columbus Income Tax
Powell Income Tax
Gahanna Income tax
Franklin County Property tax
School District tax
Dog License
Ohio Sales tax (on everything we buy (including necessities like toilet paper and toothpaste and scholl supplies and clothing).
If the poor state gave us a break for a few days on a few items they would go broke...
8-05-2009 @ 8:47AM
Fred said...
TIME FOR THE GREEN MOUNTAIN STATE TO JUMP ON BOARD AND STIMULATE THE ECONOMY WHILE SAVING MONEY FOR CONSUMERS - ESPECIALLY WORKING FAMILIES WITH SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN
FRED
Reply
8-05-2009 @ 2:43PM
Katie said...
Vermont does have a tax free day, I believe it is around August 18th. They have commercials on tv all the time announcing it.
8-05-2009 @ 8:52AM
GREG G said...
I THOUGHT CONN WAS NO TAX ON CLOTHING ALL THE TIME
Reply
8-05-2009 @ 8:51AM
Myrl Frankin-Coles said...
I hope NY decides to get on board. I have 3 kids going back in Sept and I could really use the tax break.
Reply
8-05-2009 @ 10:46AM
Cindy said...
NY has NO tax on clothing or shoes ALL the time! Since April 1, 2006 any item or pair of shoes costing $110. or less is Tax exempt of the 4% NY state sales tax.
8-05-2009 @ 8:53AM
Falena said...
I think Pennsylvania should do this. It could help a lot people out especially since the state workers in Pennsylvania aren't getting paid.
Reply
8-05-2009 @ 9:26AM
Craig said...
Pennsylvania already has no taxes on a variety of items. In case you hadn't noticed, the majority of the tax free items for all those listed states was clothing, which PA has always had (and why so many nearby states come to PA to get their clothing).
There are a variety of other non-taxed items. All though I must admit it does vary a little bit when it comes to food items, and they have some really oddball restriction for some of that. Some of which gets very odd in how some stores actually tax items, which I suggest everyone keep an eye out for and question your stores and lawmakers to find out if your being properly charged taxes on a variety of items (not just food, but everything).
For instance, if you purchase pre-made drinks say from Turkey Hill (ice teas and the like). If you purchase Ice tea variety's you often won't get taxed, but if you purchase any of their lemonade types you will get taxed, I even believe this happens if you buy the Lemon tea variety. Something to do with them wanting to Tax a Lemon? I don't know, but this doesn't happen at ALL the stores, as a handful of stores I know of don't tax that.
This is why I warn people to pay attention to what your getting taxed on and if indeed a store is doing it properly. Supposedly you can't get a refund from a store for your tax amount once they've charged you, if they indeed are provided proof that they shouldn't be charging (this is for ANY item no matter how little or large). I think it's something to do with once their systems charge you it's considered already in the hands of the government and there isn't much they can do about it.
As far as any other PA tax breaks, it isn't likely to happen any time soon. As was stated about some state workers not getting paid because of the next budget not being set up in a timely fashion. If they consider giving tax breaks on purchases they would most likely complain that it would hamper their ability to balance the already overblown budget. This in part is pretty much Rendell's fault. How they continue to vote him into office is beyond me. For years he caused havoc with Philadelphia's budget and whatnot. Why someone considered him to be able to handle the entire state was just ridiculous. This is how we've gotten PA into such a state of affairs and won't even have a chance of getting out of our problems until he's out of office.
8-05-2009 @ 8:56AM
GUS said...
What about Michigan....our economy is so bad right now, you would think this state would have a tax free holiday...um lets say to buy cars or anything else..... that would jump start the economy.
I think we all pay to much in taxes...we all should get some kind of break...taxes in Michigan are way to high!!!!!!!
Reply
8-05-2009 @ 10:09AM
LIZ said...
That is exactly why you don't have tax free shopping. Your state is suffering so taxes need to be had. Same goes for Ohio (where I am from originally) and California (where I currently live). Most states that are participating have state and/or local governments that are not suffering as much. Individuals may be suffering as are smaller businesses, but overall the state economies are substantial enough to survive tax free shopping.
8-05-2009 @ 8:57AM
Cindy M said...
I live in FL. Are there any tax free shopping days here?
Reply
8-05-2009 @ 10:36AM
Bonnie said...
If you hear of any tax free stores in Florida please let me know.
8-05-2009 @ 8:58AM
setec5354 said...
if it is not necessity,don't buy.
NO job or a potential to be layoff don't buy
be strong and don't let advertising to rip you off or else join the salvation army line!!!!
Tax free now...pay thru your nose later or sooner than you think
national unemployment rise has no tops anytime soon
hope and still hoping with lots of wishful thinking is only reality.
Banks will guaranteed to continue to rob you blind.
Big companies are relocating to foreign countries.
losers proclaim bankruptcy.
Your company ask you to teach new foreign employees,guaranteed you are 100% history!!!!!!!!!!
Reply
8-05-2009 @ 1:46PM
james seider said...
hi
Reply
8-05-2009 @ 9:26AM
thebuda said...
although shopping tax breaks are great this article has a silly headline. with the economy the way it is if people wait to go to malls the stores hurt even more and then more close and then there are less stores in business. not good for the employment numbers.
obama is so ill equipped to handle the economy! he should be putting money in citizens' pockets to help spend at the mall and elsewhere instead of bailing out his cronies. 70% of the gnp is 'individual taxpayer purchases' ... an additional 13% of the gnp is 'business investment' ... if the citizens aren't buying at our stores then the businesses are not investing more into their businesses so really it's 83% of the economy that obama is not planning for ...
Reply
8-05-2009 @ 9:20AM
tracyann1028 said...
Live in Maryland. Do 90% of all shopping in Delaware. Delaware is tax free all the time.
Reply