Top Tips for Sales Tax Holiday

Did you know that there are certain days of the year, called a sales tax holiday, when you can purchase certain items without having to pay sales tax?  Florida’s holiday runs from August 4th through August 6th, just in time for back-to-school shopping!

If you can, wait until the 4th to purchase…

Clothing, footwear and some accessories that sell for $60 or less per item.

This is the perfect time to grab those school uniforms!  My youngest one goes to a school that requires a form of a uniform – solid crew neck or collared shirt with solid khakis – shorts or pants.  I usually head over to The Children’s Place , Gap Kids, and Old Navy.  

School supplies that are $15 or less per item.

This is great – I’m talking pens, pencils, crayons, markers, glue sticks, ruled paper, composition notebooks, highlighters, binders, etc.

Personal computers and some computer-related accessories that are $750 or less per item (when purchased for home or personal use)

Now is the time to get that CPU that you’ve been meaning to.  More and more kids are having to do school and homework on the computer.  You can opt for a desktop, laptop, or tablet – as long as it is under $750.  Thinking of getting an e-reader for your middle schooler (that would be me), grab it now!  Stock up on flash drives, jump drives, memory cards, and portable hard drives.

Items that are excluded include:

• Any clothing, shoes or accessories over $60
• Any school supply over $15
• Computers or computer-related accessories purchased for commercial use
• Repairs and alterations on the eligible items (like the hemming of a pair of new jeans)
• Anything purchased in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport

Tax Holiday Weekend Restrictions

Aside from the price points mentioned above, there are some restrictions to the categories above.  Be sure to check out www.floridarevenue.com.  I thought it would be easier if I listed some items that ARE taxable, as there are many more that aren’t!

• Jewelry – Waaaahhhhhh.  I know, bummer.
• Nothing athletic related – sports gloves, pads, rented bowling shoes, fishing boots, in-line skates, etc.
• Computer paper – odd, but true
• Stapler and staples
• Regular batteries
• Tablet cases/covers
• Video game consoles – my oldest son is bummed

Here is a list of all of the states, aside from Florida, that are offering this tax free holiday.  Make sure if you live in one of the states, that you check out the details as to which items are exempt.

What are you planning on getting during this weekend?