Take advantage of the sales tax holiday

By Staff
Rep. Ronald Grantland, Guest Columnist
It's hard to believe that the relaxing days of summer are almost over. In just a few weeks, or for some, a few days, the school year will be starting back. The start of a new school year means more than just new teachers and classmates; a new year also brings about added expenses.
After the first few days of class, many children come home with lengthy supply lists-lists filled with not only learning essentials such as pencils and paper, but also other classroom necessities that many schools around the state can't provide such as Kleenex, soap and paper towels. Of course, no new school year is complete without new clothes.
While it may seem that a few school supplies should not cost very much, the total can be expensive, especially for families with multiple schoolchildren. A seemingly short supply list can quickly turn into a big bill, and far too often, children around our state go back to school without the necessary supplies, and are ill equipped for the upcoming year.
In response, Alabama will observe its second annual sales tax holiday weekend on Aug. 3-5. Last year's holiday was a smashing success, and this year figures to be one, as well. The state will once again waive its 4 percent sales tax for clothing priced at $100 or less, school supplies priced at $50 or less, books valued at $30 or less, and computers and computer equipment selling for $750 or less.
Many counties are waiving all or part of their local sales taxes, and many stores are extending hours and planning special sales. All of this adds up to big savings on some of the items that are instrumental in helping our children learn.
However, if you don't have school children, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the sales tax holiday. Anyone can buy items covered by the holiday. Plus, by getting out and doing some shopping you're actually helping our schools, since our Education Budget is funded by sales tax revenues.
Last year, according to the State Revenue Department, sales tax revenue rose more than 10 percent over the holiday weekend, despite waving the sales tax on items. The revenues rose because the tax-free items lure customers in, but many people buy both taxed and non-taxed items once there.
Enjoy the sales tax holiday, and be mindful of the fact that not only are you providing children with the tools to help them learn, you're also helping by increasing the amount of money available to fund education. So be sure to hit the stores early.
Like all big shopping days, the best deals won't last too long.