School supplies tax-free Thursday through Sunday

By Kristina Torres

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Thursday through Sunday, back-to-school shoppers in Georgia can take advantage of the state's annual "tax free" sales holiday.

Backpacks, jeans and laptops are among the possibilities, although there are limits. Here's a rundown of what to expect this year and how to get more information:

What's happening

Since 2002, Georgia has offered a tax break on school supplies, clothing and computers.

For one weekend, shoppers don't pay state or local sales tax on: Clothing and footwear that cost $100 or less per item; a personal computer and/or computer accessories that cost $1,500 or less; and general school supplies that cost $20 or less per item.

Books are tax-free if they're on a summer reading program list or a school board list.

What's new

The economy dried up, and so did the $100 gift cards the state gave teachers to use toward classroom supplies since 2006.

State education department spokesman Matt Cardoza says school systems can pay for the cards themselves but most aren't, given ongoing budget concerns. "The only way a local district could fund it would be to use local funds or cut elsewhere," Gwinnett schools spokeswoman Sloan Roach said.

What you can buy

Clothing, shoes: athletic pads, belts, blouses, boots, bowling shoes, helmets, ice skates, lab coats, T-shirts, ties, dresses, fishing vests, girdles, scarves, shin guards, socks, suspenders and sweaters.

Computers, accessories: antivirus software, keyboards, memory chips, modems, monitors, mouse, operating software, storage and memory devices, Web camera and zip drives..

School supplies: Appointment books, calculators, blank CD/DVDs, chalk, construction paper, dictionaries, dividers, flash cards, graph paper, lunch boxes, poster board, rubber bands, thesauruses and wire-bound notebooks.

What you can't buy

No briefcases, envelopes, janitorial or medical supplies, handbags, umbrellas, cuff links, handkerchiefs, jewelry, key cases, wallets, watches and watch bands and ponytail holders. If a computer or accessory costs more than $1,500, the whole purchase is taxable.