Q: When is the back-to-school tax holiday?
A: It begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday and ends at midnight Saturday.
Q: What is exempt?
A: Clothes and shoes that cost less than $100 an item are exempt from sales tax. So are school supplies that cost less than $20 an item. Personal computers and accessories that cost less than $1,000 per purchase are exempt. For a complete list of tax-exempt items, go to http://1.usa.gov/1aYI9fq
Q: What do I have to pay tax on?
A: You have to pay the full sales tax on individual articles of clothing, shoes, computers and school supplies that cost more than the tax-free limit. You also have to pay taxes on accessories, such as purses, umbrellas, cosmetics or glasses; and on any electronic devices that aren’t related to personal computers, such as televisions, MP3 players or game controllers. You have to pay taxes on medical or janitorial supplies. Anything that is rented will still be taxed, as will anything intended for resale.
RELATED: Concerns cloud tax-free weekend: Economists and state officials debate whether the tax holiday should return next year. It will cost state and local governments an estimated as much as $89 million, and one influential Georgia legislator told the AJC's Arielle Kass, "I'm not absolutely convinced we're getting the bang for our buck." Read the story on MyAJC.com
Q: What if I’m buying items online?
A: You do not have to pay sales tax on tax-exempt items bought online.
Q: What if I’m buying shirts at a hotel gift shop?
A: There are some places where items will be taxed that would be tax-free elsewhere. You’ll have to pay taxes on all items purchased at theme parks, entertainment complexes, hotels, restaurants or airports.
Q: What if I’m charged sales tax and I don’t think I should have been?
A: Fill out an ST-12 form and turn it in to the Georgia Department of Revenue. The form can be found here: bit.ly/O4DPVY
Q: Do I have to pay sales tax if I’m not doing back-to-school shopping?
A: You do not have to pay sales tax on tax-exempt items, regardless of your reason for buying.
Q: Is there a cap to the amount of money I can spend?
A: No, except for per-item caps on certain things such as electronics.
Q: What are some tax-free items I might not think of?
A: Antique and vintage clothes are tax-free, as are aprons, bathing suits, sport uniforms, formal wear, lingerie, rain wear, skates, lab coats, insoles, costumes, diapers and receiving blankets. Car adaptors for laptops, e-readers, tablet computers, microphones and anti-virus and word-processing software are tax-free. Chalk, children’s books, dictionaries, lunch boxes and book bags are all tax-free, as long as they cost $20 or less apiece.
Online resources: Before you shop, browse or search digital versions of our print store circulars. Browse sales and products that are available right here in Atlanta, including digital versions of Sunday and Thursday ad circulars. Formatted for phones and tablets. Click here or hit the "Shop" link at the top of the page.
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