House Republican Press Release

July 31, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

State Representative Harkins Reminds Shoppers To Take Advantage Of Sales Tax-Free Week

State Representative John Harkins, R-Stratford, today reminded consumers that Connecticut’s “sales tax-free holiday” will take place shortly. From Sunday, August 20^th through Saturday, August 26^th, all clothing and footwear under $300 will be exempt from the state’s six percent sales tax.

Rep. Harkins voted in favor of legislation that establishes this year’s one-week sales exemption from the state sales tax, which was first enacted in August 2000. Proposals have been introduced in the legislature to add a second week later in the year, but have not received approval.

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 tax-free week is a small way to allow consumers to keep a little more of their hard-earned money and can be particularly helpful at back-to-school time,” said Rep. Harkins. “Connecticut should clearly do more to provide relief to taxpayers. I will continue to advocate and support additional tax breaks that can help our state’s families.”

Rep. Harkins and the House Republican Caucus first introduced the concept in August 1999 – modeled after a successful New York program – as a way of providing additional relief to Connecticut families while boosting the state’s economic competitiveness among neighboring states. Consumers seeking more information on the state’s “sales tax-free week” can visit the Department of Revenue Services’ website at: www.ct.gov/drs