Alabama’s 15th annual sales tax holiday for school-related items is July 17-19. This marks the third time the annual tax holiday will take place on the third weekend of July.
From 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 17, until midnight, Sunday, July 19, 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 2020 Participating Cities and Counties list to determine if your local communities are participating.
Exempt items include:
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Sales Tax Holiday By The Numbers Infographic (as seen above)
#ShopAlabama to Save $ and Stimulate Sales
“This year’s sales tax holiday will provide momentum for Alabama’s continued economic recovery,” said Alabama Retail Association President Rick Brown. “Saving money for consumers while stimulating sales for stores is what this weekend is all about.”
The Alabama Retail Association continues to encourage shoppers to buy from local retailers by promoting the use of the #ShopAlabama hashtag. “Shopping with businesses that have a physical presence in your local area keeps businesses open and your neighbors employed,” said Brown.
Because the tax holiday is only one weekend a year, families may want to 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. Take advantage of the tax savings and #StacheSomeSupplies.
Pictured: Emily with NameDropper / Storkland, right, and John with The Locker Room, both in Montgomery, suggest shoppers #StacheBooks and #StacheTies tax free from July 17 – 19.
Another way shoppers can support their local businesses and help others in their communities is to pick up extra school supplies to donate to local school children. Drives exist in locations throughout Alabama. Below are a few examples:
- Curt’s Closet, 1515 St. Joseph St. NW, Cullman, AL 35055, 256-735-4557. Alabama Retail member, Monograms Plus, participates in a shoes and new underwear matching donation program with this boutique charity, where families “shop” for clothing, shoes, backpacks and lunch boxes, all for free.
- United Way Hands On Back-to-School Backpack and Supply Drive: Make donations of backpacks filled with school supplies by Aug. 1.
- Huntsville Police Department School Supply Drive: Drive continues through July 30 supports students in Huntsville City Schools. Drop donations off at the Public Safety Complex or the North, South, or West Precincts between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Operation Backpack: Organized by the YMCA of Tuscaloosa and the Boys and Girls Club of West Alabama School Supply Drive, the drive through Aug. 8 asks for donations of backpacks filled with back-to-school supplies.
This release will be updated periodically as the sales tax holiday approaches. Look for more content on our Facebook page and @ShopAlabama on Instagram.
IN THE NEWS:
- Sales tax holiday has big impact for small business like Montgomery’s Storkland/NameDropper (July 16)
- Pandemic might slow tax-free sales this weekend, Martin’s Family Clothing manager says (July 16)
- Support local businesses during the tax holiday, owner of Myers Business Products in Prattville urges (July 16)
- Savings await back-to-school shoppers in Tuscaloosa, says Effies Inc. and The Locker Room (July 15)
- Shop smarter this sales tax holiday weekend (July 17)
- Alabama’s pre-school sales tax holiday takes on extra significance during pandemic (July 16)
- Stores preparing for Alabama’s 15th annual tax-free weekend (July 16)
- 15th annual sales tax holiday weekend to support small businesses, save money (July 16)
- Nine questions and answers about Alabama’s tax-free weekend (July 15)
- Shoppers urged to take advantage of the tax-free holiday (July 13)
- Alabama Retail Association expects school shopping to look different this year (July 10)
- Back-to-school sales tax holiday returns (July 1)
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 4,300 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.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Nancy King Dennis | 334.551.0643 | 334.868.2195 (c)
Originally posted 4 p.m. June 24, 2020
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