It might not feel like it outside, but stores are already having back to school sales. Missouri’s tax-free weekend for school supplies is the first one in August.
The Department of Revenue says shoppers can save up to nine percent on big-ticket items this year during the tax-free holiday. Department spokesman Ted Farnan says computers that are less than $3,500 are tax free, and that’s a big savings. He says shirts, pants shoes and dresses will be tax free, but accessories like jewelry, scarves and umbrellas won’t be included.
He says 169 cities, 50 counties and 62 special districts have opted out of the holiday this year. He says there are many reasons this could be, but it’s likely because the local government can’t afford to lose out on the tax revenue from those items. For a list of them, visit the Department of Revenue Website.
Farnan says no matter where in the state consumers are, they will be exempt from the state’s sales tax, which is 4.225 percent. So even if the city still charges their taxes, the state won’t. He says the hope is people from other states will come and shop in Missouri that weekend, so that the things they buy that aren’t tax free will help Missouri.
(AUDIO) Allison Blood reports on the sales tax holiday. Mp3 1:03