Retailers report bump in sales during Ala. sales tax holiday

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School supplies

Shoppers can purchase back-to-school supplies this weekend in Alabama without paying the state sales tax.

The Selma Times-Journal reports the sales tax holiday started Friday and runs through Sunday.

People can avoid paying taxes on clothing worth less than $100, including school uniforms, shoes, shocks or diapers. Accessories, protective equipment and sports gear cannot be sold tax-free.

Computers can be sold tax-free if the individual parts are sold as a package worth less than $750. School supplies worth less than $50 including ink and paper are tax-free. School books worth less than $30 are eligible for the exemption.

Retailers in Selma said they noticed an increase in business Friday as the annual back-to-school sales tax holiday started. The manager of Screenco Enterprises, Jeffrey Nichols, said he noticed increased business as parents came in looking for school uniforms.

“People are really taking advantage of that. They’re saving on average $10-$15,” he said.

However, sales in Selma may be less robust than during in similar sales-tax holidays in the past. School started Thursday in Selma, and some retailers like Nichols suspects parents may have already finished their shopping.

“Normally the sales tax will hit before the school starts,” Nichols said. “… I think it’s down a little bit.”

Republished with permission of the Associated Press.

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