Georgia’s back-to-school sales tax holiday is back for another two years. So is another tax-free holiday weekend for energy efficient appliances.
Gov. Nathan Deal signed legislation Monday that extends those tax breaks as part of a package of legislation that cuts that are expected to cost more than $240 million over the next two years.
Also included in House Bill 958 is a $25 million tax break for video game developers and an extension of a sales tax break for construction materials for projects deemed to be of "regional significance" that could be used to help the Braves and Falcons save millions as they start construction on new stadiums.
That proposal also revives a sales tax exemptions for food banks that Deal vetoed last year in a controversial move. Bill Bolling of the Atlanta Community Food Bank said it would help fund at least one million additional meals over the next two years, saving food banks roughly $2.5 million.
“I feel very good that we got it signed but I still see no reason that we lost it in the first place,” said Bolling.
The back-to-school sales tax holiday will stretch from Aug. 1-2. Shoppers won’t have to pay state and local sales tax on clothing, school supplies, shoes, computers and software.
During the energy efficient holiday, to be held Oct. 2-4, shoppers won’t pay state sales tax on dishwashers, fans, air conditioners, refrigerators and other items with the “Energy Star” designation.
