Tax Free in CT

I encourage shoppers in the Town of Farmington to take advantage of the upcoming “Tax Free Week” from Sunday, August 19 through Saturday, August 25, 2012. The State of Connecticut is providing an opportunity to avoid the payment of sales tax on purchases of clothing and footwear valued under three hundred dollars.

This event is intended to provide some much needed relief for shoppers looking to purchase clothing for themselves or their children. I hope this week will benefit Farmington consumers and merchants alike. From the many independent merchants around town to the large national chain stores at Westfarms Mall, there are many opportunities to enjoy shopping and saving in Farmington.

The State of Connecticut collects nearly four billion dollars a year in sales taxes and this year’s Sales Tax Holiday is projected to save shoppers as much as $7.2 million dollars. It also helps to alleviate the imposition of sales taxes on purchases less than fifty dollars that was in place prior to 2011.

The one-week event eliminates Connecticut’s 6.35 percent sales tax on all clothing and footwear costing less than $300 per item and runs from the third Sunday in August through the following Saturday.

Since sales tax is calculated after the use of any coupons or discounts, if the final price is less than $300, the sale is exempt from taxes. Clothing or footwear under $300 either rented or put on layaway is also tax-free.

Purchases totaling more than $300 will have sales tax calculated on the full cost. 
  
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. 

In 2011, I voted against a proposal which raised the state sales tax from 6% to 6.35%, the entirety of which is suspended on footwear and clothing purchases under $300 during Tax Free Week.

For more information, visit the Department of Revenue Services website at  http://www.ct.gov/drs/.