State Rep. Urges Residents to Take Advantage of Tax-Free Days

State Rep. Rachel Burgin, R-Riverview, is urging the families in her community to take advantage of the 2011 Sales Tax holiday beginning on Aug. 12 and lasting through the 14th. 

During Aug. 12-14, clothing, footwear, wallets, bags and textbooks that cost $75 or less, and school supplies that cost $15 or less are exempt from state sales tax and county discretionary sales surtaxes.  

“I hope that families in my community will utilize this opportunity to save while preparing to send their children back to school in these upcoming weeks,” said Burgin. “This bill was enacted to help alleviate some financial strain that families face as they prepare for the start of the school year. I am very thankful that the sales tax holiday has been brought back to Florida and am hoping that this year most families will benefit from this initiative.”  

The tax break does not apply to clothing or accessories priced at more than $75 or school supplies priced at more than $15.

Some other rules for 2011 Sales Tax Holiday:

• You do not have to purchase items separately to qualify for the sales tax break. The exemption is based on the sales price of each item not the total sales amount on the invoice. For example, if you bought three shirts at the same time, and the shirts each cost $75, all shirts would qualify for the sales tax exemption because they are priced at $75 or less. This is also the same for each qualifying school supply that costs $15 or less.
• There is no limit on the number of items you can purchase during the Sales Tax Holiday.
• Manufacturers' coupons do not reduce the sales price of an item.
• Store coupons and discounts reduce the sales price of an item.
• Businesses do not have the option of participating in the Sales Tax Holiday. All businesses that sell items listed in the Sales Tax Holiday must participate with the exception of theme parks, entertainment complexes, public lodging establishments and airports.
• If you buy tax-exempt items and realize you were charged tax, you should fax your receipt to the store owner and ask for a refund of the tax.

Some Other Helpful Sales Tax Holiday Links:

• List of items that qualify for the Sales Tax Holiday.
• Details about the 2011 Sales Tax Holiday.
• Frequently asked questions about the Sales Tax Holiday.