O’Dea: Get Set for Connecticut’s Annual Sales Tax-Free Week

NEW CANAAN- State Rep. Thomas O’Dea Jr. (R-125) is reminding New Canaan and Wilton shoppers about the upcoming tax-free week the third week of August.

“With the summer winding down, many of you are likely getting your families ready to go back to school. And during these tough economic times, the back-to-school bill can be especially overwhelming,” said Rep. O’Dea.

Connecticut shoppers will have a full week to take advantage of tax breaks on clothing and footwear costing less than $300.  This year’s tax-free week runs from Sunday, Aug. 18 through Saturday, Aug. 24.

During the Sales Tax Holiday Week, most individual items of clothing and footwear priced under $300 are exempt from Connecticut’s sales and use tax. During that week, the increased exemption replaces the standard exemption for clothing under $50. For purchases costing $300 or more, sales tax is calculated on the full cost of the item.

“Every year, shoppers look forward to the third week in August as a way to save some money for back to school items and other needs,” said Rep. O’Dea. “Consumers can get the most for their money without a sales tax on items under $300 and merchants see an increase in sales.”

“Even though the state’s non-partisan Office of Fiscal Analysis has projected that the state will forgo about $3.5 million during the 2013 holiday, I believe the benefits of this program for state consumers and businesses far outweigh this temporary revenue loss. If anything we should use this as an example institute more tax free holidays,” said Rep. O’Dea.

Check the Department of Revenue Services (DRS) Web site at ct.gov/drs for information about the Connecticut Sales Tax Holiday Week.