(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont is reminding consumers in Connecticut that the state’s sales tax-free week begins Sunday, August 18 and runs through Saturday, August 24, 2019. During this one-week sales tax holiday, retail purchases of most clothing and footwear items priced under $100 are exempt from the sales and use tax. This exemption applies to each eligible item under $100, regardless of how many of those items are sold to a customer on the same invoice.
Sales tax free week was included as part of the biennial budget that was supported by House and Senate Democrats and signed into law this summer by Governor Lamont. It is estimated that Connecticut shoppers will benefit from approximately $4.9 million in savings during the sales tax holiday, which coincides with the busy back-to-school shopping season.
“Having this tax-free holiday helps working families stretch their dollar a little bit more during the busy back-to-school season while giving businesses an extra boost to their bottom line,” Governor Lamont said. “I also encourage residents during this busy shopping week to consider locally-owned retailers and supporting Connecticut’s small business community.”
“Sales tax-free week offers real savings at an opportune time, when families are planning for the school year and shopping for new clothing and footwear,” Department of Revenue Services (DRS) Commissioner Scott D. Jackson said. “In addition to promoting Connecticut’s retail sector, the sales tax holiday helps stretch shopping budgets – something we can all appreciate and look forward to.”
“Connecticut retailers work diligently throughout the year to be responsive to their customers and provide outstanding customer service,” Timothy G. Phelan, president of the Connecticut Retail Merchants Association, said. “Retailers are also actively involved in their communities and play a pivotal role in the strength and vibrancy of the Connecticut economy. Connecticut sales tax free week provides an opportunity for customers to shop at local retail businesses and save money on their purchases, which can be especially helpful for families preparing for the upcoming school year.”
Many retailers in Connecticut frequently offer additional clothing and footwear discounts during sales tax free weeks, resulting in even more savings for shoppers.
Additional information on Connecticut’s sales tax free week, including examples of individual items that are exempt or taxable as well as specific statutory information, can be found by visiting the DRS website at ct.gov/drs and clicking the “2019 Sales Tax Free Week” link.