Back-to-school sales tax holiday begins Friday

By Staff Reports

Alabama’s 17th annual back-to-school sales tax holiday begins Friday, and several retailers plan additional discounts that could save shoppers even more money.

State and most local sales taxes will be waived from Friday until midnight Sunday on computers, books, school supplies and clothing.

“All retailers big and small are going to be doing extra promotions to try to get folks into their stores,” said Nancy Dennis, Alabama Retail Association spokesperson.

For example, Downtown Southern Sass on Main Street will have special sales and gifts with every purchase. Red Ribbon Décor will also have certain merchandise marked down in conjunction with the sales tax holiday.

With technology playing a larger role in education, and work-from-home jobs becoming more prevalent, computers and laptops have also become a larger part of lives at work and at home.

“People are doing more working at home and they’ve upgraded their equipment, and if they haven’t done so already, this is a good time to do it,” Dennis said.

Veteran teacher Tera Pressnell will begin her new position with Hartselle City Schools this fall, and she said educators across the state look forward to the sales tax holiday and the savings it brings.

“As a teacher, parent and grandparent, I know just how helpful (the savings) can be,” Pressnell said.

All clothing $100 or less (per item), school supplies $50 or less (per item), computers/computer equipment $750 or less (per item), and any book $30 or less (per item) will be eligible. A full list of all items that are eligible for the holiday can be found at hartselleenquirer.com.

“It has an appeal to just about everybody because the items that are on the list are items that everybody uses,” Dennis said.

Retailers such as Staples, Office Depot, Books-A-Million, Target, Electronic Express, American Eagle, Old Navy, T.J. Maxx, Ross, Dollar General, Belk, Walmart and Shoe Carnival will be participating in the holiday.

Falkville, Priceville and Morgan County are participating in the sales tax holiday along with other area municipalities.