Tax Free Week is Aug. 17-23

With the start of school just around the corner, I wanted to remind you to take advantage of the upcoming “Tax Free Week” which runs from Sunday, August 17 through Saturday, August 23.

The annual one-week event eliminates Connecticut’s 6.35 percent sales tax on most clothing and footwear costing less than $300 per item and runs from the third Sunday in August through the following Saturday.

Since sales tax is calculated after the use of any coupons or discounts, if the final price of an item after all discounts is less than $300, it is exempt from taxes. Clothing or footwear under $300 that is either rented or put on layaway is also tax-free. Items with a final cost of more than $300 will have sales tax calculated on the full cost.

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, as well as specialty boots for fishing, hiking, skiing and other activities. Also subject to normal taxes are accessories such as jewelry, watches, handbags, headbands, and wallets.

A full list of qualifying and non-qualifying items can be found at the DRS website.