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School's starting up and back-to-school sales tax holidays are winding down.
Texas today kicked off its three-day sales tax event. From Friday, Aug. 19, through Sunday, Aug. 21, Lone Star State shoppers don't have to pay state and local sales taxes on clothing and shoes costing less than $100; backpacks priced at less than $100; and school supplies that cost less than $100.
Connecticut's week-long sales tax holiday begins Sunday, Aug. 21, and runs through Saturday, Aug. 27. Shoppers in the Nutmeg state can buy tax-free clothing and footwear that costs $300 or less.
Shoppers, enjoy the savings, but be sure to check with your state's tax department. In most cases, tax officials have some very specific rules about just what qualifies for as a tax-free item.
Here in my home state of Texas, for example, a backpack is tax free only if it's going to be used by an elementary or secondary school student. So don't go trying to get a tax bargain, Mom and Dad, on a heavy-duty hiking carryall.
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What a pile of manure! My state had the tax-free weekend 12th August and people mobbed Staples, Target and WalMart. Would they have done so if the stores advertised a 7% sale? I think not. The stores charge full freight for the weekend, sell a ton of stuff and the smart shoppers wait for a real sale the next weekend. Sadly, the local news media add to this frenzy over a trivial discount.
However, my 24-yr old daughter found jeans on sale at American Eagle and got the extra 7% off. Now that was a good deal.