MONTGOMERY – It’s almost time to make back-to-school shopping plans, especially if you want to get the most bang for your buck. According to the National Retail Federation, the average household with school-age children plans to spend $696.70, the highest amount ever recorded by NRF. For families with college students, that amount jumps to $976.78.
Alabama’s 14th annual sales tax holiday for school-related items is set for this weekend, July 19-21. From 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 19, until midnight, Sunday, July 21, the state waives its four-percent sales tax on school-related supplies and clothing. More than 300 cities and counties throughout Alabama will waive their local taxes as well. Check the 2019 PARTICIPATING CITIES AND COUNTIES list to determine if your local communities are participating.
Exempt items include:
- clothing priced at $100 or less per article of clothing;
- school supplies valued at $50 or less per item;
- books that cost $30 or less per book; and
- tablets, laptops, computers and printers with a selling price of $750 or less.
>> Learn more at alabamaretail.org/alabamasalestaxholidays
>> Sales Tax Holiday Printable Poster
#StacheSomeSupplies and #ShopAlabama
In conjunction with the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, the Alabama Retail Association is encouraging Alabamians to #StacheSomeSupplies. Because the tax holiday is only one weekend a year, families should consider purchasing items required for later in the year and stashing them until needed. Art supplies, computer paper and diapers are examples of items that will be exempt from taxes during the tax holiday but are used year-round.
You can be part of our social media promotion by using our #StacheSomeSupplies hashtag, showing us how you’re taking advantage of the tax savings. In addition, Alabama Retail will continue its campaign reminding shoppers to buy from local retailers with our #ShopAlabama initiative.
Look for content on our Facebook page and on Instagram at @ShopAlabama.
MEDIA CONTACT: Nancy Dennis | 334.868.2195
The Alabama Retail Association represents retailers, the largest private employer in the state of Alabama, before the Alabama Legislature and the U.S. Congress. Through sales of food, clothing, furniture, medicine and more, our 4,200 independent merchant and national company members touch almost every aspect of daily living. Since 1943, we’ve worked to promote what’s best for the retail industry in Alabama. Whether voicing the retail view when public policy is made, educating members about issues that impact them, negotiating rates for benefits and services or communicating the retail story, the Alabama Retail Association and its members are better together.