Don't Mess With Taxes

Attention Florida, Maryland and Massachusetts shoppers. You're getting -- or about to get -- a break on sales taxes.

These states are the next to offer sales tax holidays on certain items. Here are the highlights:

Remember, states might not be as tax generous as you think. In addition to the product and sales price limitations, they often have other rules that could wipe out your expected tax savings.

So before you hit the mall, check each state's special tax holiday website (that's where the links in the table go) for details.

And for my tax geek friends who freak out at these events, I have to note that my announcement of tax holidays is not an endorsement of them. I agree that they are bad tax policy gimmicks.

But if folks can save a few bucks, then who am I to lecture or stop them.

On the tax holiday horizon: This weekend's and next week's sales tax saving events are part of 16 back-to-school tax holidays this year. Most were last weekend, but a few more are on the way in August.

Here in my home state of Texas we'll be able to buy some items sans sales taxes the weekend of Aug. 19-21.

Connecticut shoppers get a week-long sales tax holiday starting Aug. 21 and running through Aug. 27.

So mark your calendars, make your shopping lists and save some taxes!