Tax Free Week: A Curious Look at Tax This, Not That

This year, Connecticut's tax-free week is from Sunday, August 18 through Saturday, August 24. But what's taxed, and what's not?

In general, the 6.35% exemption applies to most clothing and footwear purchases under $300 that are intended for everyday use. Forget about jewelry, watches, handbags, and wallets.

The funny thing is that some committee in the government must take out their laptops and calculators and say, "Hmmm, what should and shouldn't we put on the list of taxable items?"

Here's a few curious decisions:

Don't tax garters, do tax headbands. (Are garters for every day use?)

Don't tax children's bibs, do tax lobster bibs. (Okay, if you can afford lobster, you can afford the tax on the bib.)

Don't tax wedding gowns, do tax party costumes. (Isn't a wedding kind of like a party?)

Don't tax square dancing clothes; do tax marshal arts attire and sports uniforms. (Okay, maybe square dancing isn't considered a sport.)

Don't tax aprons, do tax potholders. (Imagine the hot debate this created.)

Don't tax basketball and running shoes, do tax track shoes. (Seems as though there's a slim difference between running and track shoes these days.)

Don't tax safety apparel, do tax sports helmets. (Really, bike helmets, too? This one's got me banging my head against the wall!)

If you're curious or amused as I was, click here for the full list, straight from the website of Nutmeg State.

Photo: New Balance

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Submitted by New Fairfield, CT

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