Senator Flanagan Urges Suffolk Residents To Take Advantage Of Sales Tax Free Week

With families getting ready to purchase back-to-school supplies and others eyeing fall fashions, State Senator John J. Flanagan (R,C-East Northport) reminds shoppers that New York's Sales Tax Free Week on clothing and footwear will be held from Tuesday, August 30th through Labor Day, Monday, September 5th.

"The sales tax free week is a terrific opportunity for parents to get a break on clothing and footwear items for their children who are heading back to school or college," said Senator Flanagan. "All purchases of clothing and footwear items of less than $110 will be tax free between Aug. 30th and Sept. 5th."

"In January 2005, New York shoppers saved $37.2 million in sales tax and an additional $49.2 million during the tax free week last August. This type of success demands that we do it again," Flanagan said.

Flanagan noted that the exemption also applies to purchases that are ordered by mail, telephone or internet provided the transaction occurs during the dates of the sales tax free week. He also said that Suffolk County has again opted to join the state in this tax free program, meaning that Suffolk County residents will have the ability to purchase eligible items without any additional county or state sales tax. In Nassau County, the exemption will apply only to the state's 4% sales and use taxes. Individuals who are purchasing exempt items in Nassau County will still be responsible for the county portion of the sales tax.

"If you are going 'Back-to-School' shopping, buying gifts, or just picking up some items for yourself, you have an opportunity to save money by shopping tax free during this week," Senator Flanagan concluded.

Senator Flanagan urges residents who have questions regarding the sales tax holiday week to call his office, 631-361-2154.