Don't Mess With Taxes

Vermonters, get ready to shop tomorrow. Saturday, Aug. 22, is your state's only sales tax free day of 2009.

The good news is that the Green Mountain State has a generous tax-free threshold. Most items costing $2,000 or less are exempt from state sales and local option sales taxes as long as the products are purchased for personal, not business, use.

There are a few exceptions. For example, the tax holiday doesn't apply to the Meals and Rooms tax. You'll still owe tax on food and beverages, including booze sold in restaurants and bars.

And if you were thinking of picking up a bargain-priced auto, you'll still owe sales tax on the vehicle. The Motor Vehicle Purchase and Use Tax is separate from the sales tax and is not part of the tax holiday.

Specifics on what is and isn't tax-free tomorrow in Vermont is available at the state tax department's tax holiday Web page.