Oklahoma’s fourth annual Back to School Sales Tax Holiday will begin at 12:01 a.m. Friday and last through midnight Sunday.
“There have been very few of us immune from the economic crisis of late, and we’re all tightening our belts to weather it out,” said Rep. Samson Buck, D-49.
“I know every little bit of savings counts, and this is one sales tax break that is directly targeted towards hard-working families in hopes of lightening their burden as they brace to prepare their kids for school.”
Tax-free weekend was created in 2007 through legislation from Senators Don Barrington and Jay Paul Gumm.
“Having a young son, I’m all too aware of how fast children outgrow their clothes, which can be expensive for families, especially during hard financial times like we’re in now,” said Gumm, D-Durant. “The tax-free weekend will help relieve some of that financial burden for families, and I hope they’ll get out and take advantage of it.”
Items that will be exempt from sales taxes are every day clothing and shoes priced at less than $100. The exemption does not apply to any accessories, special clothing or footwear primarily designed for athletic activity or protective use.
Anyone can take advantage of the tax breaks, and all retailers are required to participate.
“I hope all working Oklahomans participate in this brief, but welcome, break from sales taxes, as it not only gives us a small reduction in our shopping costs but it also helps support our local economy as it’s an incentive to spend some cash at Oklahoma retailers,” Buck said.
For more details on what items qualify, visit the Oklahoma Tax Commission Web site at http://www.tax.ok.gov/stholiday.html.
