Just in time for a back to school shopping rush, the State of Tennessee has rolled back the sales tax for a three day weekend, giving a break to parents and teachers preparing for the start of the new school year.
Starting at 12:01 Friday morning (August 3) through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, shoppers will not be charged sales tax on school supplies, school clothing priced at under $100 an item, and computers priced at $1500 or less. For the first time, basic art supplies such as art paper and watercolors are included in the tax break.
The tax break is not limited to students and teachers; anyone shopping can take advantage of the savings during the weekend. Clothing may include, shoes, belts, outerwear, school uniforms, shirts, dresses, undergarments and more. The tax exemption also applies to layaway items for which the final payment is made over the weekend, and items placed on layaway during the tax holiday.
Many of the major retailers have school supply lists available for the schools in their immediate shopping area, informing parents of exactly what they need to buy for the start of school on August 8 (in Montgomery County).
School supplies include everything from glue, pens, paper, compasses, protractors,lunch boxes and most items needed to accomplish school work.
While computers (desktop and laptop) up to $1500 are exempt, peripherals such as disks, printers, ink, PDA’s and individual computer components are NOT exempt.
Coming up in 2008, as a one time event, there will a one-time spring season tax holiday from March 21-23, giving parents a second chance to stock up on supplies and spring clothing tax-free.
