Access Atlanta > The Newcomer > Archives > 2008 > July > 30 > Entry
Really, it’s tax-free. Maybe.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A Duluth mom shops at The School Box during the tax-free holiday in 2003.
I did my requisite back-to-school stories five years ago when I was a wee little AJC intern, but I’d forgotten one thing: sales tax holiday, which runs July 31-Aug. 3.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, if you need to buy computers, bibs or ice skates.
See, this is not a blanket tax-free few days. There are rules. Reporter Phil Kloer pointed out some of the quirkier items on the list — corsets and ski suits for everyone! — which only reinforces this advice: read the fine print before you shop.
It’s handy for parents spending a fortune on children that just won’t stop growing and forming their own personalities. (Sheesh. Is it so much to ask?) But there’s no rule that you must have kids or be buying for them.
Fair warning: I hear the crowds will be crazy. Some people say it’s not worth it.
And if clothes and school supplies aren’t really your thing, remember that Oct. 2-5 offers up tax-free purchases for the energy- or water-efficient products with a sales price of $1,500 or less.
For more info about the sales tax holidays, check out this Georgia Department of Revenue Web site.
Permalink | Comments (8) | Post your comment | Categories: Fun stuff
Comments
By Pam
July 30, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
One thing I’ve learned about this holiday is: if you don’t shop on Thursday, be prepared to find some of the items you were searching for to be sold out. I waited too late to purchase backpacks and other essentials for my kids, arrived at the store on Saturday and ALL of the ones I was looking for were gone…just a few remained. So, just beware or go Thursday night (If you really need the no taxes) to get the major items. If you are shopping for the cheap items, just pay the taxes. It’s not worth the big crowds and long lines to save 50 cents in taxes.
By Christina
July 30, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
All the rules and exceptions really make it more of a hassle than it’s worth. I mean really, can you even find a backpack that is under $20? Yet any backpack over $20 isn’t eligible. I have heard that the stores do not discount anything until after the tax-free holiday because they know they will sell a lot, at full price. So you are putting yourself through all this for a 6-7% discount? Crazy!
By TPR
July 30, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Corect me if I am wrong but is there not a short fall of revenure for the state year to date? Are teachers not being asked for an income freeze? Is the city of Atlanta not cutting employees? Why offer this now if tax money is needed by the state? People will still shop for back to school items. Let’s forget this program.
By Clay
July 30, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
If everyone was as wealthy as all of you, we would not need relief. If you insist on helping the state collections effort, then don’t shop this weekend. If additional savings of 6-8% (depending on county) aren’t important, stay out of Target this weekend. If you want to save a little money, then get out there soon!
By faye
July 30, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
Not sure what it’s going to be like this year, but I have found that many stores offer good sales in addition to the tax break. I don’t go with a set list in mind - I go looking for bargains, and get what I can get. I’ve never been disappointed.
By Brian
July 30, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
I live in New Hampshire and everyday is tax-free for us. No special rules, no gimmicks! And no governor has gotten elected here without promising to reject an income or sales tax. My in-laws live in Ga. and I’ve seen your high prices for food and goods. Just remember how much your income and sales taxes are a factor of those prices.
By faye
July 30, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
Hey, there, Brian, live free or die, or move back to Massachusetts where you came from, right?
I grew up in NH, and my dad still lives there - you’re right about about the sales and income taxes, for sure, but your property taxes are crazy-high compared to Georgia - I know my dad pays close to 4 times what I pay, and our houses are similarly valued.
I do miss buying beer on Sunday, though - and being able to wager on a good horse race any day of the week.
By Call Me Stupid
July 31, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this
Weren’t we told a couple of days ago that the state is facing a budget deficit of over a billion dollars, and we won’t a tax free holiday? How much sense does that make?