News

(NASHVILLE, TN, July 8, 2010) -- Local businesses and consumers will get a boost and some sales tax relief from Tennessee’s “Sales Tax Holiday” according to local State Senators Jim Tracy and Bill Ketron, who were key supporters of the initiative passed by the General Assembly in 2005. 

The first holiday, which is set by law to begin on the first Friday in August, began the following year in 2006.  This year’s sales tax holiday is set to begin on Friday, August 6 at 12:01 a.m. and ends Sunday, August 8 at 11:59 p.m. 

“During tough economic times, it is even more important to stimulate sales to local businesses, while providing citizens sales tax relief,” said Senator Ketron. “It is especially needed this year.” 

“The holiday is particularly geared toward back to school needs, but it applies to clothing and many other items, which helps consumers of any age,” added Senator Tracy.  “I am very pleased this legislation has provided some relief for citizens since its implementation in 2006.”

During the holiday, clothing and school supplies with a price of $100 or less per item, and computers with a price of $1,500 or less per item will be exempt from the state sales and use tax.  Clothing includes shirts, dresses, pants, coats, gloves, hats and caps, hosiery, neckties, belts, sneakers, shoes, uniforms and scarves.  School supplies include items used by a student in a course of study.  It also includes binders, book bags, calculators, tape, chalk, crayons, erasers, folders, glue, pens, pencils, lunch boxes, notebooks, paper, ruler, and scissors.

For more information or for details on exempted items consumers and retailers can visit the Sales Tax Holiday Web site at http://tn.gov/revenue/salestaxholiday/ or call 1-800-342-1003.

CONTACT:  DARLENE SCHLICHER 615- 741-6336
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