House Republican Press Release

August 7, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Hovey: Back to School Tax Savings Upcoming

State Rep. DebraLee Hovey (R-Monroe, Newtown) today reminded residents of state sales tax breaks taking place in Connecticut this month. Exemptions from the state’s six percent sales tax include clothing and college textbooks. Rep. Hovey 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 19 through Saturday, August 25.  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.

“Along with the back to school specials offered by retailers at this time of the year, the one week clothing tax exemption provides an excellent opportunity for families to expand their savings,” said Rep. Hovey. “This is a tax break that has been well utilized in the past and in addition to helping families, it also benefits businesses.”