Sales Tax Free Week Starts Sunday

I want to remind you to take advantage of the upcoming “Tax Free Week."  From Sunday, August 21 to Saturday, August 27, Connecticut residents will not incur sales taxes for purchases of clothing and footwear under $300.  This is a good opportunity to save, since Connecticut’s longstanding sales tax exemption for all clothes and footwear under $50 is now gone.

In these tough economic times, every little bit of relief helps.  Fortunately, Connecticut shoppers will again be offered tax free shopping for one week this year, just in time for the busy ‘back to school’ season. This is more beneficial than ever before since the rest of the year, clothing under $50 is now taxed and the overall state sales tax rate has been increased from 6% to 6.35%. 

Original budget plans drawn up by Governor Malloy also included an elimination of the celebrated sales-tax holiday meant to provide families a little relief with all the back-to-school bills. Due to much public outcry and strong opposition, the sales tax free week was preserved.

Tax Free Week is not only a much needed break for consumers, but also boosts consumer confidence and spurs sales, which helps businesses keep jobs and grows our economy.

First enacted in 2000, Tax Free Week applies to most clothing and footwear purchases that are intended for everyday use.  Goods not covered under the program include items that are solely intended for use in sporting activities and accessories such as jewelry, watches, handbags, and wallets.  By law, Tax Free Week is to run from the third Sunday in August to the following Saturday. 

For more information go to the Department of Revenue Services website: www.ct.gov/drs 

Rep. Dan Carter
Bethel, Danbury, Redding
800-842-1423