Tax-Free Week Gives Shoppers a Chance to Save

August 13, 2018

If you plan to do back-to-school clothing shopping, you might want to wait until Sunday, August 19th for Connecticut’s 18th Annual Tax-Free Week. The week-long holiday from the state’s 6.35% sales tax runs through August 25 and includes items of everyday clothing and footwear that cost less than $100.

Tax-Free Week was enacted in 2000 and has become a popular time for back-to-school shopping and those getting a head start of the holidays by putting clothing and shoes on layaway. The tax-free status also applies to clothing and shoes bought on the Internet, and clothing rentals made during the week.

Not all clothing and shoe purchases qualify for tax-free status. Some of these are:

  • Athletic gear and uniforms,
  • Specialty shoes like cleats, ballet, and bowling
  • Accessories like jewelry, handbags, and backpacks

The tax-free status applies to each individual piece of clothing that costs less than $100, the savings can really add up for those buying several items.

Many retailers anticipate tax-free week and set up sales to help you maximize the savings. If you have questions, or would like to take a list of exempt and non-exempt items with you when you shop, you can print this page from the Department of Revenue Services. You also can call DRS with any questions at (800) 382-9463.

If you have questions about this or other issues impacting our state, please contact me at [email protected] or call my office at (800) 842-1421