By Nick Buglione
³With the beginning of the school year just around the corner, parents throughout the state are heading to the stores to get the best for their children and this tax free week will help them stretch that family budget,² said state Sen. Charles Fuschillo (R-Merrick), who represents a section of East Meadow. ³This is a great opportunity for families to save money and I hope that everyone takes advantage of it.²
During the week, clothing and footwear purchases of less than $110 will be exempt from the state¹s 4.25 percent sales tax. Items purchased to make or repair clothing and footwear are also exempt, according to the state Department of Taxation.
³Saving money is no doubt one of [my constituent¹s] top priorities,² state Sen. Kemp Hannon (R-Garden City), who represents the majority of East Meadow. ³Giving [them] the opportunity to save money through tax cuts is one of my priorities. Do not miss out on this chance.²
Suffolk County has opted to join the state in this tax free week, meaning that eligible items in Suffolk shops won¹t carry any county sales tax as well.
Individuals who are purchasing exempt items in Nassau County, however, will still be responsible for the county portion of the sales tax.
Last January, a tax-free week saved New York shoppers $37.2 million, while another tax-free week last August saved shoppers $49.2 million in sales tax.
Tax-free weeks also give local businesses a shot in the arm, said John Arigo, president of the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce. ³It¹s excellent for business,² he said. ³It¹s incentive for people to go out and spend money. Especially this time of year with school beginning and Christmas coming up.²
For a complete list of items that are exempt from state sales tax during the tax-free week, visit Fuschillo¹s Web site at www.senatorfuschillo.com.
Comments about this story? NBuglione@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 236.
