In these tough economic times, every penny saved makes a difference, so it’s little wonder why many Franklin County residents are eagerly anticipating the upcoming sales tax holiday set for this weekend.
East Franklin resident Carol Ann Hardy has three school-age children, so she said she tries to participate in the tax-free weekend each year.
“When you’re buying clothes, shoes and school supplies for three children to start back to school, the costs really start to add up,” Hardy said. “Any little bit you can save helps, especially with the economy the way it is now.
“I’ve participated in the tax holiday in the past and I’m sure I’ll participate this year as well because I’ll need to get these items eventually, and I don’t want to pass up the opportunity to save money when I can.”
State sales tax will be waived on many items starting at 12:01 a.m. Friday and ending at midnight on Sunday.
The Franklin County Commission passed a resolution after the first sales tax holiday was announced in 2006 stipulating the county would participate each year the statewide sales tax holiday was held, which means county sales tax will be lifted this weekend.
The cities of Russellville, Red Bay and Phil Campbell all passed resolutions or ordnances to participate in the holiday, which means city sales tax will be lifted as well.
“This is a great opportunity for our residents to save money and to support local businesses,” Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Director Cassie Medley said. “I know when I’m shopping for my two kids, if I find a good deal, I always try to take advantage of it.
“This weekend, Franklin County residents will have the opportunity to avoid state, county and even city sales taxes and they can do it all right here without having to drive a long distance.”
In anticipation of the large crowds looking to save money this weekend, many local stores in the area stock up on items like backpacks, pencils, notebooks and other supplies that people will need once school starts on Aug. 20.
Medley said most things on the tax-exempt list could be found right in the county at various retailers in Russellville, Red Bay and Phil Campbell.
“This is a good chance for us to support our local merchants and boost our local economy,” Medley said.
According to the Alabama Department of Revenue, items that will be exempt from taxes during the sales tax holiday include clothing items that cost $100 or less per item such as belts, hats, coats, shoes, jeans, shirts, dresses, diapers, underwear, socks and pajamas.
The list of tax-exempt items also includes supplies such as computers, computer printers, printer supplies, binders, calculators, notebooks, scissors, backpacks, crayons, pencils, pens, and art supplies.
Items such as cosmetics, handbags, cell phones, jewelry, magazines, furniture, video games, wallets or sports equipment are not included in the sales tax holiday.
Many other specific items will be tax exempt this weekend. For a complete list of exempt and non-exempt items, visit http://revenue.alabama.gov/salestax/SalesTaxHol.htm.