“Tax Free Week,” is coming up, just as parents get ready for back to school shopping. Between August 16th through the 22nd, clothing and footwear costing less than $100 per item will not be subject to Connecticut’s 6.35 percent sales tax. Unlike previous years, the exemption has been substantially reduced from items costing less than $300. Wilton State Senator Toni Boucher blames massive tax hikes included in the budget approved at the end of June.
Sales tax is calculated after the use of any coupons or discounts, so if the final price is less than $100, the sale is exempt from taxes. Clothing or footwear under $100 put on layaway is also tax-free.
Boucher says this is a significant savings considering that families with children in grades K-12 plan to spend, on average, $630 on back-to-school shopping. The average college student and their families, on the other hand, plan to spend approximately $899.
Goods not covered under the program include, but are not limited to, clothing or footwear specifically designed for athletic activities and accessories. Football cleats, specialty boots for fishing, hiking, skiing and other activities, as well as wet suits, helmets and headbands, etc are NOT exempt. Accessories like jewelry, handbags, luggage, umbrellas, wallets, watches and more are also still subject to sales tax.
People can also donate school supplies to those in need. 42 locations in the state, including two in the Greater Danbury area, participate in the school supply donation program. The Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut in Brookfield accepts donations of new children's books, office equipment/supplies, recreational equipment, school supplies and toys. The Harambee Center for Youth and Community Services accepts donations of building materials, office equipment, recreational equipment, school supplies, and toys.
30 schools in the Bridgeport, Danbury, Derby, Middletown, New Haven, and Stratford school districts currently offer services through the Connecticut Food Bank's Kids' BackPack Program to provide children in need with nutritious, kid-friendly, shelf-stable and ready to eat with little or no cooking that is distributed discreetly at school at the end of each week. School staff is responsible for identifying students in need and for determining the best method of distributing the food to eligible children.
