House Republican Press Release

July 6, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Alberts Reminds Residents of Sales Tax Holidays

State Rep. Michael Alberts, R-50^th, today reminded residents, tourists and college students of sales tax holidays taking place in Connecticut this year. Exemptions from the state’s six percent sales tax will include clothing, home weatherization products and college textbooks.

Rep. Alberts pointed out that:

• Connecticut shoppers will have one week to buy clothing and footwear items costing under $300 without paying Connecticut sales tax.  This year, the tax free week runs to from Sunday, August 20 through Saturday, August 26.

 Throughout the year, clothes and shoes up to $50 are exempt.

• The legislature also exempted home energy conservation and weatherization products from the Connecticut sales tax from June 1, 2006, to June 30, 2007. This sales tax holiday had expired in April, but the legislature reinstated it.

• Sales of college textbooks to full-time and part-time students enrolled at institutions of higher education are exempt, with presentation of valid student identification cards. College textbooks means new or used books and workbooks required or recommended for courses. Last year, the exemption for college textbooks was expanded to include sales to students at private occupational schools.

Rep. Alberts said, “With many families thinking about back to school shopping, the week of August 20 will be a special time to save on the sales tax and to benefit from other store specials. It’s a win-win situation for Connecticut families.”

Rep. Alberts also noted, “Right now, homeowners can take steps to save on energy and home heating costs by purchasing certain weatherization products without paying the sales tax.”

These products are:

• Programmable thermostats;
• Window film;
• Caulking of a type marketed for preventing drafts, such as window and door caulking;
• Window and door weather strips, including door sweeps;
• Insulation, for example attic and wall insulation, spray foam insulation, water pipe insulation, heating duct insulation, and switch and outlet insulators;
• Water heater blankets;
• Water heaters;
• Boilers. Only sales of boilers that meet the federal Energy Star standard qualify for the exclusion (Energy Star qualified boilers have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating of 85% or greater.);
• Natural gas furnaces that meet the federal Energy Star standard;
• Propane furnaces that meet the federal Energy Star standard;
• Windows that meet the federal Energy Star standard (Note that storm windows do not have an Energy Star standard and are not included in this tax exclusion.);
• Doors that meet the federal Energy Star standard (Note that storm doors do not have an Energy Star standard and are not included in this tax exclusion.);
• Oil furnaces that are not less than 85% efficient based on the AFUE rating;
• Ground-based heat pumps that meet the minimum federal energy efficiency rating.

Rep. Alberts added, “Students returning to college face a high cost for textbooks. However, Connecticut tries to ease some of the burden by exempting textbooks from the six percent sales tax. This applies to both new and used textbooks.”

“As families prepare for the new school year and the home heating season,” Rep. Alberts noted, “these are some savings that are available and I hope consumers can make the most of them.”

Rep. Alberts serves the 50^th Assembly District of Brooklyn, Eastford, Hampton, Pomfret, and Woodstock.