Georgia Sales Tax Holidays 2009

Georgia residents can save on their back-to-school shopping by taking advantage of Georgia's sales tax holiday for school related supplies, which begins on July 30. This year, savvy consumers can also snag the typical back-to-school items tax free for four days, running July 30 through August 2. Exempt items include back-to-school supplies such as pencils, pens, glue, clothing valued less than $100 and personal computers with a price tag of less than $1,500.00.

Georgia Sales Tax Holiday: Back-to-school

With Georgia's unemployment rate at over 10%, many Georgia residents are feeling the money pinch. Shopping for back-to-school items during Georgia's sales tax free holiday is an excellent opportunity to save money and perhaps stretch those back-to-school dollars a bit further due to the absence of sales tax.

July 30 to August 2 is the perfect time to pick up school supplies costing less than $20 per item. Georgia's Department of Revenue provides a list of eligible items, which account for most items children typically need to return to school. To qualify, the item must cost less than $20 by itself. So long as each item costs less than $20, there's no limit on how much you can purchase at one time, provided it is for personal and non-commercial use. Many retailers, such as Walmart and Staples, will place school specific back-to-school lists in their stores to help consumers shop from their child's teacher's required list of supplies.

No sales tax on computer, computer peripherals

One of the largest ticket items is on many lists, particularly for the college bound, is a personal computer. Georgia's back-to-school tax free holiday rules make a personal computer costing less than $1,500 eligible for tax free status. If a new computer is needed, plan the purchase to coincide with tax free week to save a hefty sum. Also covered under tax free status are blank CDs and DVDs, antivirus programs, printers, printer cartridges and other computer peripherals so long as they are not typically for recreational use. This tax free holiday is also an excellent time to stock up on printer ink for use during the school year.

Georgia's Sales Tax Holiday: Clothing less than $100 per item eligible

For most families, school clothing is the largest expense. Georgia's Sales Tax Holiday includes clothing that is priced at $100 or less, including foot wear. School uniforms, shirts, jeans, and the like are all covered, provided the price is less than $100. Also included is a wide variety of sports related items including athletic supporters, bathing suits, knee pads and a host of other sports related gear. Footwear is also included, provided that it is within the specified price range.

Fall brings Tax Free Holiday on energy efficient appliances

Though details are not yet available, the State of Georgia will hold a sales tax free holiday from October 1 through October 4, giving consumers the opportunity to purchase more energy efficient appliances tax free during that time period.

Sources:
http://www.bls.gov/web/lauhsthl.htm
https://etax.dor.ga.gov/salestax/holiday/2009/faq.aspx#stholiday

Lists of eligible items:
https://etax.dor.ga.gov/salestax/holiday/2009/exempt_school.aspx
https://etax.dor.ga.gov/salestax/holiday/2009/exempt_computers.aspx
https://etax.dor.ga.gov/salestax/holiday/2009/exempt_clothing.aspx