Gov. Tim Kaine signed legislation Friday creating the state’s first sales tax holiday on back-to-school items — a change that will save Virginia residents some $3.6 million this year on school supplies.
School supplies priced $20 or less and clothing or footwear priced $100 or less will be exempt from sales day during the three-day holiday from Aug. 4 to Aug. 6.
“Every parent knows that getting ready for a new school year can be an expensive proposition. The legislation I am signing into law today is an effort to make that process a little easier and a little more affordable for Virginia families,” Kaine said.
All stores must participate in exempting the five percent sales tax on school-related items, said Joel Davison, Department of Taxation spokesman.
In addition to school-related items, stores have the option of expanding the holiday for any other item they choose in the store, Davison said.
“They have the option for not charging sales tax on anything in the store, but if they do that, they have to pay that sales tax to us,”he said.
“It sounds like a good idea,” said Melissa Jones, 26 of Lake Ridge, who has two young children.
Ashley Hutchinson, 28 of Springfield, agreed.
“It makes sense. I mean why not? Families can benefit,” said Hutchinson, who has three children five years and younger, plus one on the way.
Sales Tax Holiday
» Virginia joins at least 14 states and the District that already have a sales tax holiday.
» By mid-June detailed information on tax-exempt items will be at www.tax.virginia.gov.
» Items, not the total receipt, will be exempt.
» Clothing items, for example a pair of shoes, that cost over $100 will not be exempt.
