Connecticut Tax Week Begins

The state of Connecticut is offering a tax-free week during August 2017. It applies mainly to clothing and shoes and is intended to coincide with parents' seasonal back-to-school shopping needs, although the exempt items are not limited to school-age children. Some items are available for infants and adults. By planning ahead, you can help your family save money by shopping during Connecticut's tax-free week.

Connecticut's Tax-Free Week Dates

Connecticut's sales tax holiday is scheduled for Sunday, August 20 through Saturday, August 27, 2017. During Connecticut's tax-free week, the following items will not be subject to state sales tax:

  • Clothing under $100 per item
  • Shoes under $100 per item

Often retailers schedule sales to coincide with sales tax-free week. Shoppers can save even more money with coupons because sales tax is applied after the use of any coupons or discounts. While the price of an item may start above $100, after discounts are applied, it becomes less than $100 and is not subject to sales tax that week.

Clothing That Is Exempt During the Sales Tax Holiday

Examples of clothing that is exempt from sales tax during the sales tax holiday include:

  • Dresses
  • Rain jackets
  • Shirts
  • Sweaters
  • Sleepwear
  • Swimsuits
  • Ties
  • Undergarments
  • Work clothes
  • Diapers
  • Gym suits
  • Jeans

Each item must cost less than $100, although the total of the items purchased may exceed $100.

This is only a partial list of qualifying items.

Footwear That Is Exempt During the Sales Tax Holiday

Examples of footwear that are exempt from sales tax during the sales tax holiday include:

  • Athletic socks
  • Hiking boots
  • Overshoes, rubbers, boots
  • Shoelaces
  • Shoes
  • Slippers
  • Sneakers
  • Socks

Each item must cost less than $100, although the total of the items may exceed $100.

This is only a partial list of qualifying items.

Items That Are Not Tax-Exempt During the Sales Tax Holiday

Keep in mind that not all general merchandise items are included in the sales tax holiday. The following items are not exempt from sales tax during the sales tax holiday:

  • Jewelry
  • Aprons
  • Sports helmets
  • Sports uniforms
  • Umbrellas
  • Wallets
  • Wetsuits
  • Purses
  • Gloves

Smart Shopping Strategies for Connecticut's Tax-Free Week

Connecticut's tax-free week is a great opportunity to save on your kids' back-to-school shopping needs and on adult and infant wear. However, using good common sense can save even more during tax-free week. This means comparing prices at different stores, which you can do online, and also using coupons when you can.

Also, don't buy anything you don't need just because of the tax-free week. The sales tax rate in Connecticut is 6.35 percent, so that amount—plus any local sales tax, if applicable —is the amount that you save during tax-free week.

It's entirely possible that you'll be able to find better sales in the weeks or after Connecticut's tax-free week savings event, so be sure to shop around and pay attention to the sales and promotions that are going on in your area.

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Submitted by Brewster, NY

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