Sales Tax Holidays

[jeffrey]

It's that time of year when some states offer a reprieve from the state sales tax to those that are doing back to school shopping. Basically, the state determines certain items that can be purchased without having to pay the state sales tax on certain days. Most are limited to back to school related items such as clothing, shoes, school supplies. Some states do offer a sales tax holiday for computers and computer accessories as well.

Unfortunately, some states opted out of offering sales tax holidays this year because of declining tax revenue -- Florida, Massachusetts and New York aren't having them this year. Here are the states that are:

Alabama
Connecticut
Georgia
Iowa
Louisiana
Mississippi
Missouri
New Mexico
North Carolina
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
West Virginia
District of Columbia

As always, it's important to remember that these sales tax holidays aren't saving you money if you purchase things you wouldn't already be buying -- but if you do have a list of items that you do need to buy and you live in a state that offers a sales tax holiday, timing those purchases for the promotion dates can save you a few bucks.

[Angio333]

It's that time of year when some states offer a reprieve from the state sales tax to those that are doing back to school shopping. Basically, the state determines certain items that can be purchased without having to pay the state sales tax on certain days. Most are limited to back to school related items such as clothing, shoes, school supplies. Some states do offer a sales tax holiday for computers and computer accessories as well.

Unfortunately, some states opted out of offering sales tax holidays this year because of declining tax revenue -- Florida, Massachusetts and New York aren't having them this year. Here are the states that are:

Alabama
Connecticut
Georgia
Iowa
Louisiana
Mississippi
Missouri
New Mexico
North Carolina
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
West Virginia
District of Columbia

As always, it's important to remember that these sales tax holidays aren't saving you money if you purchase things you wouldn't already be buying -- but if you do have a list of items that you do need to buy and you live in a state that offers a sales tax holiday, timing those purchases for the promotion dates can save you a few bucks.

It is no surprise that my state, the tax loving Ohio, is does not have a sales tax holiday.

[creditcardfree]

Even though I know live in one of the states that offers the holiday, I avoid buying clothes/shoes on those days. The stores are packed with people. Not enjoyable at all.

I buy school clothes on other days and let the state have the $0.06 for every dollar I spent. A few dollars extra for peace of mind while shopping: priceless!!!

[disneysteve]

Even though I know live in one of the states that offers the holiday, I avoid buying clothes/shoes on those days. The stores are packed with people. Not enjoyable at all.

I buy school clothes on other days and let the state have the $0.06 for every dollar I spent. A few dollars extra for peace of mind while shopping: priceless!!!

I would also stay away from stores during a tax holiday.

I also suspect that the stores know in advance when these tax days will be and plan their sales appropriately so you can probably get just as good a deal, if not better, by shopping when they have a good sale even if you pay tax. Better to get 15% off than to pay full price and "save" 6% sales tax.

Besides, we don't pay tax on clothing. Now if I were in the market for a computer or big screen TV, that might be different (though I would typically order a computer online).

[Angio333]

I would take advantage if I was able to. I figure I spend way too much money on taxes. So, if I can legally/ethically get away with not giving those crooks any more money, I take advantage.

[AlligatorBaby]

I'm so lucky to live in sales tax-free Delaware