Starting Friday, and running throughout the weekend, shoppers can benefit from no sales tax to purchase school-related items in order to save some money in preparation for the new school year.
The sales tax holiday begins on the first Friday in August and continues through the following Sunday; and certain back-to-school purchases such as clothing, school supplies, computers and other items as defined by the statute, are exempt from sales tax for this time period only.
The sales tax holiday was initially championed in 2004 by then-Senate President Pro Tem Peter Kinder of Cape Girardeau. One year later, then-Gov. Matt Blunt made it an official event.
During the years that followed, only state and some local sales and use taxes were exempt; however, Senate Bill 153 changed this by removing the sales tax on all qualifying items.
“Since the state made that change, we’re hopeful that everyone will continue to shop locally during the tax holiday,” explained Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce President Steve Halter. “In the past, the city had opted out of participating in suspending the sales tax for the holiday; but that’s all changed now.”
Halter said he recognizes that many people will steadily shop online in order to find the greatest value; but he hopes that most people will shop and buy locally.
“I think that Poplar Bluff has plenty to offer in the way of providing a good family shopping experience,” Halter stated. “There are many surrounding communities who come to shop in Poplar Bluff regularly; and I hope many of them will come and shop for the tax holiday while also spending more time in town and patronizing multiple locations.”
Halter explained that the tax holiday has traditionally been a busy shopping weekend for local businesses; and he hopes that level will only increase this year.