Don't Mess With Taxes

Attention Connecticut shoppers. Starting tomorrow, you have seven days to save some sales taxes.

Connecticut already has a standing tax exemption on purchases of most clothing and footwear costing less than $50.

But during the Nutmeg State's annual Sales Tax Holiday Week, running from Aug. 16 through Aug. 22 this year, the state's 6 percent levy won't be collected on individual pieces of apparel costing up to $300 each.

Even better, during the holiday there is no limit on the number of items that qualify for the exemption in a given shopping trip or throughout the week.

To make sure you get the most tax break, keep an eye out for specials offered by stores. Since sales tax is calculated after any coupons or discounts are applied, the price cuts could help bring an item originally carrying a price tag in excess of the $300 threshold down to a tax-free purchase amount.

And double check your shopping list. Non-apparel accessories will be taxed. Department of Revenue Special Notice 2003(3) lists the tax-free and taxable items.

Connecticut revenue officials also have created Special Notice 2006(10), which provides additional details and examples of various shopping situations, such as custom orders and layaways, and how the sales tax holiday exemption works in those cases.

Happy shopping!