HARTFORD — It’s time to start thinking back-to-school, which can be costly for families, but if you’re going to fill up a shopping bag, this is the week to do it – Tax Free Week!
The state plans to hold its 16th annual “Tax-Free Week,” beginning Sunday, Aug. 21. It will run through Saturday, Aug. 27.
During that week, most individual items of clothing and footwear that’s priced under $100 will be exempt from the state’s 6.35 percent sales and use tax. Connecticut expects to exempt about $4.5 million in taxes during the special week.
For items costing more than $100, sales tax is calculated on the full purchase price.
Items not tax exempt include electronics, jewelry, sports uniforms, umbrellas. A full list is on the state’s website.
Department of Revenue Services Commissioner Kevin Sullivan is reminding shoppers that many retailers schedule sales to coincide with the sale tax-free week, which helps families save additional money. He says the “tax holiday” has become a staple of the state’s back-to-school shopping season.
Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets is one example of stores rolling out more deals. Many stores at the outlets are partaking in sidewalk sales.
“It obviously makes a difference,” shopper Kevin Spika said. “I mean there’s savings to be had everywhere.”
Spika recommends hitting the stores early to beat the crowds.
