This year's annual sales tax-free week, which covers most clothing and shoes that sell for less than $300 runs through Saturday, Aug. 23.
The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services estimates consumers will save between $7 and $9 million during this seven-day stretch. And, given the strengthening economy, Gov. Dannel Malloy says he would entertain adding school supplies to the tax exempt list in the future.
Gov. Malloy also wanted to remind residents that the tax holiday coincides with many families' back-to-school shopping.
“Many stores also plan sales and discounts to coincide with this week, which allows families to stretch their hard-earned money a little further," Malloy said in a statement. "This is a great opportunity to shop locally and support Connecticut retailers.”
The governor said the tax holiday is also meant to help retailers boost sales, but retailers say it will be difficult to tell whether their business spiked as a result of the tax-free week because the week before school starts is busy every year anyway.
The governor also reasserted his support for a year-round tax exemption on similar items that cost less than $50 at a press conference on the holiday.
Everything from jeans and dresses, to sports hats and socks, to sneakers, to diapers and bibs, to gloves and scarves, to undergarments and lingerie, to uniforms for police officers and religious positions (among others), and even wedding dresses are included as part of the exemption. Most regular clothing items, and many uniforms, are covered under the exemption.
Items not included in the exemption include athletic footwear, handbags, jewelry, costumes, umbrellas and other sports paraphernalia.
For information about what items are and are not included, visit the Department of Revenue Services' website at www.ct.gov/DRS.
