House Republican Press Release

July 31, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. HETHERINGTON ANNOUNCES BACK TO SCHOOL TAX SAVINGS

NEW CANAAN– State Representative John Hetherington, R- 125^th District, today reminded residents, tourists and college students of a state sales tax holidays taking place in Connecticut this year. Exemptions from the state’s six percent sales tax include clothing and college textbooks.

Rep. Hetherington said, “Residents 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 19 through Saturday, August 25.  Throughout the year, clothes and shoes up to $50 are exempt.

• 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. The exemption in effect since 2000 has been expanded to include sales to students at private occupational schools.

“College textbooks are an added expense for students returning to school. Connecticut has tried to ease some of the burden by exempting textbooks from the six percent sales tax. This applies to both new and used textbooks,” added Rep. Hetherington.