The back-to-school tax-free shopping weekend has nearly arrived in Madison County and Tennessee.
Tennesseans can save nearly 10 percent on clothing, school supplies and computers during the annual tax-free weekend beginning 12:01 a.m. Friday through 11:59 p.m. Sunday.
Shoppers will not pay local or state sales tax on items including clothing valued at $100 or less, school supplies costing $100 or less, and computers priced at $1,500 or less.
In Madison County, the sales tax holiday will come before the Jackson-Madison County school year, which begins Aug. 4. The law was modified last year, meaning Madison County residents have time to save money to help their students buy materials needed for the upcoming school year.
“Our annual sales tax holiday is another way we are helping the industrious men and women of our community to meet their family’s needs and also save more of their hard-earned money,” State Rep. Jimmy Eldridge (R-Jackson) said in a news release. “This event also supports our local businesses and sparks the economy right here in District 73.”
Mandy White, senior vice president of economic development at the Jackson Chamber, said with Jackson being the “retail hub” of West Tennessee, our community should expect an influx of shopping this weekend.
Clothing
Clothes that are priced $100 or less (shirts, pants, jackets, shoes, dresses, etc.) are eligible for tax exemption.
However, items normally sold together, such as shoes, cannot be divided up to get below the $100 threshold.
Jewelry, handbags, sports and recreational equipment, or items purchased for business or trade use are not tax-free.
School supplies
Standard school supplies that qualify are binders, books, backpacks, crayons, paper, pens, pencils and rulers.
School art supplies such as glazes, clay, paints, drawing pads and artist paintbrushes that cost under $100 are also tax-free.
Computers
Computers with a purchase price of $1,500 or less, including laptops as well as tablets such as an iPad, are eligible.
However, items including computer parts, video game consoles and cell phones are still tax eligible.
