At Last! the Arkansas Sales Tax Holiday

I had a ghost of a memory that a wonderful thing was coming to Arkansas, this year. I looked, and I looked, and I finally found it. We are getting our sales tax holiday! Finally! Now, we will no longer have to go to the states that surround us, if we are close enough to the borders to make the gas cost worth the drive. I had started going to Oklahoma, myself. You can read about that here. I am so glad to share this information with my home state!

While searching, I first found the original article that caused that ghost of a memory. It is titled House Approves Sales Tax Holiday, school consolidation bills, posted on April 1, 2009. It was written by John Lyon and Rob Moritz through the Arkansas News Bureau. I quote, "Bucking the Beebe administration, the House on Wednesday, approved legislation to create a statewide back-to-school sales tax holiday and several other tax-cutting measures not included in the governor's balanced budget proposal." All I can say to that is, "It's about time!"

Also quoting this article, "In a 77-14 vote, the House approved the House Bill 2202 by Rep. Tiffany Rogers, D-Stuttgart, which would exempt the sales tax on clothing purchases of $75 or less on the first Saturday in August, each year. The bill goes to the Senate." There is something upon which Rogers and I completely agree. The powers that be who figure the losses in income from sales taxes are not thinking of the loss of sales that are experienced by businesses in our own state as people flock to surrounding states, such as Louisiana, Texas, Missouri, Mississippi and Oklahoma to take advantage of the savings. Sales plus no taxes is a pretty big incentive.

After searching earlier this week, I found a page in the Arkansas.gov website, under the Department of Finance and Administration that gave the dates and times for the sales tax holiday for Arkansas. It can be found here. Again, I shall quote, but from the Arkansas website, this time: "Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2011, and ending at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday August 7, 2011, the State of Arkansas will hold its sales tax holiday, allowing shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain School Supplies, School Art Supplies, School Instructional Materials, and clothing free of state and local sales or use tax. All retailers are required to participate and may not charge tax on items that are legally exempt during the Sales Tax Holiday." I really hate to do all this quoting, but I am sincere in my effort to make certain to be exact in the details. Here is one thing that is not a quote but surely a shared sentiment, "WHOOPEEEE!"

In the link that I provided in the previous paragraph, there will be other links available. You will find an itemized list, FAQ's for customers, and other helpful information, as well as what I have already quoted. I am so glad to save the gas and be able to do the money-saving, here, at home, this year. When I went to Oklahoma, last year, I was amazed at what was included in the exemption list, and the savings were a big help in getting ready for back-to-school. With my own financial difficulties being what they are, and knowing that things are tough for many, at this time, I am glad to have some news to share that will possibly make things easier. Happy shopping, and I will see you in Arkansas on August 6!

(Just an aside for people who aren't sure if their states have a tax holiday or if they live near one that does, click on this link. It will help.)