Tax-Free Week Begins on Sunday

Connecticut’s “Sales Tax Holiday” begins on Sunday, giving back-to-school and other shoppers a seven-day hiatus from paying the state sales tax on clothing and footwear up to $300.

Expect the malls, such as the Crystal Mall in Waterford to be busy.

“For Connecticut, it is a big deal,” Manager Karen Tarantino said.

Last year, the state increased the sales tax from 6 percent to 6.35 percent, and removed the tax exemption on clothing items and shoes below $50.

"That makes Tax-Free Week a better deal than ever," Tarantino said.

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 these tough economic times, every little bit of relief helps," State Rep. Christie Carpino said. "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."

Carpino (R-Cromwell), 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 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.”

To further entice shoppers to stores, many outlets are offering discounts on clothes and shoes. It is a good time for the state to give a break, because it is the time most parents are doing their back-to-school shopping for their kids, Tarantino said.

Tax-Free Week lasts from Sunday to Saturday, Aug. 25. It is sponsored by the state’s Department of Revenue Services, whose website has a comprehensive list of the rules regarding tax-free week.

Deals/Events

Most stores are offering big discounts on clothes and footwear. The and in Waterford are both offering savings, and most stores in the Crystal Mall are giving 30 percent off of qualifying items, Tarantino said.

There are also some events at the Crystal Mall. On Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. there will be a "Kidgits Back-to-School Party" featuring a mad scientist.

On Saturday, Aug. 25, there is an event called "Back at It" at the mall from 12 to 3 p.m. where there will be several gifts and giveaways. Also that day, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., there will be a sidewalk sale at the mall and events and activities for children.

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