Connecticut’s 6.35 percent sales tax on clothing is eliminated during Sales Tax Free Week (through Saturday, Aug. 21) for clothing and footwear priced at less than $100 per item.
Darien students return to schools in town on Monday, Aug. 30, a week before Labor Day.
Something to keep in mind: Since sales tax is calculated after the use of any coupons or discounts, if the final price per item is less than $100, the sale is exempt from taxes.
The tax holiday for shoppers especially helps people with less money, and it helps retail businesses, Gov. Ned Lamont said in a news release. He said he hopes people will “consider shopping at some of our locally-owned retailers and support Connecticut’s small business community.”
State Rep. McGorty has the best Sales Tax Free Week image on the World Wide Web. Therefore Darienite.com hereby endorses him for re-election.
Timothy Phelan, president of the Connecticut Retail Merchants Association, emphasized the same point, urging customers to “reconnect with local retail businesses that have endured the business challenges of the past year and a half.
“Connecticut retailers place a high priority on providing exceptional customer service, and being active participants supporting communities in which they do business, all across our state. That hasn’t changed, even as retail businesses have worked diligently to protect the health and safety of customers and employees.”
Other state leaders also encouraged people to support small businesses this week, icluding Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, who added, “Connecticut’s comeback is being driven by small businesses in every corner of our state, from Groton to Greenwich.”
The state tax holiday applies to both online and in-store purchases this week, Revenue Services Commissioner Mark Boughton pointed out. He asked residents to “support our businesses and Connecticut’s comeback” from the COVID-19 pandemic. “And most of all, to be safe when out shopping.”
According to state statute, Sales Tax Free Week begins on the third Sunday of August and runs until the following Saturday. This year will be Connecticut’s 21st Sales Tax Free Week.
For more information:
- View examples of individual items that are exempt or taxable during Sales Tax Free Week.
- Informational Publication 2015(22), Annual One-Week Sales and Use Tax Exclusion for Clothing and Footwear Costing less Than $100 (outlines effect of coupons, exchanges, and layaway)
This article is based on statements taken from a state Department of Revenue Services Web page and a news release.