Connecticut’s annual sales tax-free shopping week begins on Sunday, but some shoppers might need to plan their purchases carefully to qualify. Only clothing and footwear items under $100 are eligible for tax-free purchase this year; in previous years, items could be up to $300.
The change means the state will not be giving up quite so much sales tax revenue, a decision that was taken during this year’s difficult budget negotiations. Commissioner of the Department of Revenue Services Kevin Sullivan said he thinks it’s still a good opportunity for shoppers.
"Many states have completely eliminated the tax free week," Sullivan told WNPR. "Connecticut, even wrestling with the continuing fiscal challenges, the governor decided it was important to continue this. The retail community sees it as an very important opportunity. Because what they do is add on to this. Typically retail businesses will run specials during this period of time, bringing items down below the tax-free threshold."
"Save receipts on purchases made during the week," he cautioned. "On the off-chance that someone needs to return something to exchange a like item, you don't want to walk into the store without that receipt, because they may take the exchange or the return, but they may charge you the sales tax that you didn't pay."
