House Republican Press Release

August 7, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

State Representative Fahrbach Reminds Shoppers To Take Advantage Of Sales Tax-Free Week

State Representative Ruth Fahrbach, R-61^st, today reminded consumers that Connecticut’s “sales tax-free holiday” will take place shortly. From Sunday, August 20th^th through Saturday, August 26^th, all clothing and footwear under $300 will be exempt from the state’s six percent sales tax.

Rep. Fahrbach voted in favor of legislation that establishes this year’s one-week sales exemption from the state sales tax, which was first enacted in August 2000. Proposals have been introduced in the legislature to add a second week later in the year, but have not received approval.

Examples of clothing exempted during the sales tax-free holiday are jeans, dresses, blouses, shirts, shoes, sneakers, scarves, gloves, and belts. Non-apparel items, such as jewelry, wallets, and luggage are not included in the exemption.

 “Sales tax-free week is a way to help families save money at back-to-school time, but everyone can take advantage of this opportunity to buy clothing and footwear tax free,” said Rep. Fahrbach. “Especially during these times, when the prices of many other items are going up, any savings is welcome to consumers and the state should do even more to provide relief to taxpayers.”

Rep. Fahrbach and the House Republican Caucus first introduced the concept in August 1999 – modeled after a successful New York program – as a way of providing additional relief to Connecticut families while boosting the state’s economic competitiveness among neighboring states. Consumers seeking more information on the state’s “sales tax-free week” can visit the Department of Revenue Services’ website at: www.ct.gov/drs