Pamalicious
07-13-2005, 08:14 AM
State's retailers gear up for sales tax holiday
By RENÉE DeGROSS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/13/05
It may seem too early in the summer to think about back-to-school shopping, but in just two weeks Georgians will get a tax break on supplies, clothing, shoes, backpacks and certain electronics.
Georgia's fifth state sales tax holiday, July 28-31, will save buyers from 4 to 7 cents on the dollar, depending on the county. Many retailers throw in extra perks, such as coupons and discounts.
Mary Ann Rowan checks out the shoe selections at Foot Prints at Loehmann's Plaza in Atlanta during last year's sales tax holiday. This year's event is set for July 28-31.
Furniture retailers, whose items are not exempt from tax during that period, also offer discounts, calling it their own tax-free events.
Shoppers can expect a sales tax hiatus on clothing and shoes that cost up to $100 per item, and school supplies costing up to $20 per item. Books are tax-free if on a summer reading program list or a school board list.
Also included: computers and accessories, such as keyboards, printers, speakers and non-recreational software, up to the first $1,500 of the price.
But don't expect that BlackBerry to be included. Charles Willey, spokesman for the Georgia Department of Revenue, said personal digital assistants with communication devices are not part of the deal.
For a list of tax-exempt items, see www.gatax.org or call the Department of Revenue at 404-417-6601.
The holiday gives a boost to retailers but costs the state an estimated $10.38 million and local jurisdictions about $6.5 million, the Revenue Department says. The General Assembly votes each year on the tax holiday.
By RENÉE DeGROSS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/13/05
It may seem too early in the summer to think about back-to-school shopping, but in just two weeks Georgians will get a tax break on supplies, clothing, shoes, backpacks and certain electronics.
Georgia's fifth state sales tax holiday, July 28-31, will save buyers from 4 to 7 cents on the dollar, depending on the county. Many retailers throw in extra perks, such as coupons and discounts.
Mary Ann Rowan checks out the shoe selections at Foot Prints at Loehmann's Plaza in Atlanta during last year's sales tax holiday. This year's event is set for July 28-31.
Furniture retailers, whose items are not exempt from tax during that period, also offer discounts, calling it their own tax-free events.
Shoppers can expect a sales tax hiatus on clothing and shoes that cost up to $100 per item, and school supplies costing up to $20 per item. Books are tax-free if on a summer reading program list or a school board list.
Also included: computers and accessories, such as keyboards, printers, speakers and non-recreational software, up to the first $1,500 of the price.
But don't expect that BlackBerry to be included. Charles Willey, spokesman for the Georgia Department of Revenue, said personal digital assistants with communication devices are not part of the deal.
For a list of tax-exempt items, see www.gatax.org or call the Department of Revenue at 404-417-6601.
The holiday gives a boost to retailers but costs the state an estimated $10.38 million and local jurisdictions about $6.5 million, the Revenue Department says. The General Assembly votes each year on the tax holiday.