Tax-free weekend offers big savings on back-to-school items in Tuscaloosa
Alabama's 17th annual back-to-school sales tax holiday will give some relief to shoppers who have been feeling the pinch from inflation.
The sales tax holiday for school-related products means that consumers in the Tuscaloosa area could save as much as 10% on each dollar spent purchasing back-to-school supplies.
The tax-free weekend begins at 12:01 a.m. July 15 and ends at midnight July 17. The state waives its usual 4% sales tax during the weekend and some cities, like Tuscaloosa and Northport, also waive local sales taxes, bringing the total savings to 10%.
“The sales tax holiday offers parents a way to save on back-to-school needs,” said Alabama Retail Association President Rick Brown in a news release. “Saving money for consumers while stimulating sales for stores is what this weekend is all about.”
Tax-exempt products include:
• Clothing priced at $100 or less per article
• School supplies valued at $50 or less per item
• Books that cost $30 or less
• Laptops, computers, tablets, and printers with a selling price of $750 or less.
The Alabama Retail Association recommends that families take advantage of the temporary savings to stock up on items they might need throughout the year, like art supplies, diapers, printer paper, and ink cartridges, which also are included on the list of tax-exempt products.
Even consumers who don't have children in school will benefit from the tax exemption.
The tax holiday applies to items ordered online for pickup or delivery. Walmart, Target, and locally owned retailers’ curbside services will qualify for tax exemption as long as the purchase and delivery of the order take place within the three days of the tax-free weekend.
Participating counties in West Alabama include Bibb, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Marion, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, and Tuscaloosa. Participating municipalities in the area include Aliceville, Carrollton, Centreville, Coker, Cuba, Demopolis, Fayette, Greensboro, Guin, Hackleburg, Linden, Moundville, Northport, Sulligent, Tuscaloosa, Vance, Vernon, West Blocton, Winfield, Woodstock, and York.
The Alabama Retail Association encourages shoppers to buy from local retailers.
“Shopping with businesses that have a physical presence in your local area keeps businesses open and your neighbors employed,” Brown said.
Consumers can visit www.revenue.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/STHolidayQuickRefSheet22.pdf for a list of tax-exempt items. For more information, go to the Alabama Department of Revenue's website.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Tax-free weekend offers savings on back-to-school items in Tuscaloosa
