Carpino Reminds Shoppers of Upcoming Tax Free Week

HARTFORD— State Representative Christie Carpino (Cromwell, Middletown and Portland) reminded her constituents to take advantage of the upcoming “Tax Free Week”. Sunday, August 19 through Saturday, August 25, Connecticut residents will not incur sales taxes for purchases of clothing and footwear under $300.

“In these tough economic times, every little bit of relief helps. Fortunately, Connecticut shoppers will again be offered tax free shopping for one week this year, just in time for the busy ‘back to school’ season, “said Carpino.

Carpino, herself a mother of two said, “With many families thinking about back to school shopping, the week of August 19 will be a special time to save on the sales tax and to benefit from other store specials. Connecticut families are going will get some much needed from relief from the sales tax before their children go back to school. As families prepare for the new school year I hope consumers make the most of these savings.”

Tax Free Week was first enacted in 2000, and applies to most clothing and footwear purchases that are intended for everyday use.  Goods not covered under the program include items that are solely intended for use in sporting activities and accessories such as jewelry, watches, handbags, and wallets.  By law, Tax Free Week is to run from the third Sunday in August to the following Saturday.

In 2011, Rep. Carpino voted against a proposal which raised the state sales tax from 6% to 6.35%, the entirety of which is suspended on footwear and clothing purchases under $300 during Tax Free Week.

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