How to Increase Tax Free Holiday Savings
Does your state offer a tax free weekend? If you order discount gift cards from Plastic Jungle, you might be able to save even more on back to school supplies, clothing, and more during sales tax free shopping days.
(To expedite having discount gift cards for tax free shopping, buy electronic discount gift cards which take 2-3 business days to arrive. If you have more time, ordering physical cards will be just fine as they ship within a week.)
Over 40% of the United States provide a special tax free couple of days, or a tax free weekend, once or twice a year for certain purchases. Most of these states offer tax free shopping in August. Participating states include: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., and West Virginia.
This year, many states have made their tax free weekend even earlier to allow students, parents, and teachers to save on back-to-school supplies in time for the earlier starting school year.
Does my state have a tax free holiday?
Believe it or not, tax free shopping started back in 1999. Texas was actually the first state to host a tax free weekend to help offset the cost of school supplies. Since then, several other states have jumped on board. If you’re not sure if your state is having a tax free holiday, check out this handy 2012 Tax Holidays list put together by the Federation of Tax Administrators. Another way to be sure your area is having a tax free holiday is by typing “Tax Free Weekend 2012″ and the name of your city and state into your browser’s search bar. Some cities choose to opt out of sales tax free holidays, so be sure to research before you shop.
How much can I save on tax free purchases?
Depending on the tax rate in your area, you can save 6-10% simply by making qualifying purchases during tax free holidays. You can increase your savings up to 33% more by paying with discount gift cards. Stack these savings on top of special tax free weekend sales and your savings will grow even more!
Which stores honor tax free purchases?
Many popular stores, including several Plastic Jungle retailers offer tax free shopping.
For instance, in participating states you can use discount gift cards to save an additional…
10% on clothing and shoes at Macy’s stores!
2% on school supplies, personal computers, and clothing at Walmart and Sam’s Club!
5% on clothing, school supplies, and more at Target!
And many more of your favorite stores.
What items can I purchase tax free?
The category and total value vary by state. Sales tax may be waived on a variety of items such as school supplies, clothing, footwear, and computers. Do note, tax free savings are not limited to only one item. For instance, if your state waives tax on computers $350 or less, you can buy one computer from WalMart and another from Best Buy and get both without having to pay tax.
My friend, Sara, has been wanting to get a new laptop to replace her dying one. We almost went shopping together to find her new laptop a few weekends ago, but one of our friends suggested she wait until August for our state’s tax free weekend. Sara is looking forward to getting herself a new laptop tax free in just a few days.
What will you save on during tax free shopping days?
*Frugal Shopping Tip*
If your state does not have plans to have a tax free weekend, consider traveling to a nearby state that does or asking a friend or relative in a tax free state to shop for you. Neighboring states may waive sales tax on additional categories of items that your state does not provide (i.e. electronics, energy efficient products, etc.). The drive just might be worth the savings.
Tax free shopping varies by date, state, city, and shopping area. Be sure to research first to maximize your savings.
