House Republican Press Release

August 4, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REPS. CARSON, GIEGLER: BACK TO SCHOOL SAVINGS AVAILABLE IN AUGUST

States Reps. Mary Ann Carson (R-108) and Janice Giegler (R-138) today reminded residents of state sales tax breaks taking place in Connecticut shortly. Exemptions from the state’s six percent sales tax include clothing and college textbooks. Reps. Carson and Giegler noted that people buying back to school clothing will not have to pay Connecticut’s six percent sales tax during the third week of August.

• 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 17 through Saturday, August 23.  Throughout the year, clothes and shoes up to $50 are exempt.

Examples of clothing exempted during the sales tax-free holiday are jeans, dresses, blouses, shirts, shoes, sneakers, scarves, gloves, and belts. Non-apparel items, such as jewelry, wallets, and luggage are not included in the exemption.

• Sales of college textbooks to full-time and part-time students enrolled at institutions of higher education are exempt throughout the year, with presentation of valid student identification cards. College textbooks means new or used books and workbooks required or recommended for courses. The exemption, in effect since 2000, also now includes sales to students at private occupational schools.

“The sales-tax- free-week has been popular among families since we enacted it eight years ago,” said Rep. Carson. “I certainly encourage people to consider making their back-to-school clothing purchases at that time.”

“Our current economic times mean any savings is welcome for consumers,” said Rep. Giegler. “The sales-tax-free-week helps with back to school shopping but anyone can take advantage of savings from clothing items bought during that week and the initiative helps local businesses as well.”