Connecticut holds its annual tax-free week Sunday to Saturday, Aug. 21 to 27, and if you wait until then to do your back to school shopping, you’ll see plenty of discounts designed to draw in customers.
During this time, you won’t pay the state’s 6.35 percent sales tax on most adult and kids clothing items, shoes and boots priced under $100 — but what is and what isn’t tax free can be confusing.
Here’s a breakdown:
>>There are no limits on how many items you can buy, as long as each individual item is priced at less than $100. Buy one pair of shoes at $99.99 or six pairs of shoes at $99.99 each; all are tax-free. Buy a single pair of $100 shoes, and you’ll pay 6.35 percent in tax.
>>School uniforms, gym suits and scout uniforms are tax-free, while sports uniforms aren’t.
>>Bicycle shoes, bowling shoes, riding boots, ski boots, roller skates and ice skates, sports uniforms, riding pants and sports helmets are taxable.
>>Basketball shoes, sneakers and running shoes without cleats are tax-free.
>>Diapers, cloth or disposable, for adults and children, are tax exempt.
>>Hats, scarves, socks, underwear, leotards, tights and most shoes and boots are tax-free. Backpacks, accessories and jewelry are not tax-free.
>>The tax waiver doesn’t apply to school supplies and electronics.
>>You won’t pay tax on eligible layaways, clothing rentals (think tuxes) and items bought at resale and consignment stores.
It’s a good time to shop on Amazon or at other online retailers. Sales tax is exempted on all eligible online, mail and phone order purchases made by Connecticut residents during tax-free week, regardless of when they’re delivered.
Out-of-state residents shopping in Connecticut stores during tax-free week won’t pay sales tax on eligible items.
