Sales tax exemptions provide savings on school supplies

As the start of the school year approaches, families across the country can take advantage of tax breaks to save on essential items.

School supplies are nearly 25 percent more expensive than they were four years ago, and consumers spent a record $14.2 billion last week during Amazon’s two-day Prime Day shopping event, according to ABC News reporter Alexis Christoforous.

According to the Federation of Tax Administrators, many states are offering tax holidays for school-related purchases this year.

The holidays are a welcome change for parents looking to spend more money on clothes, shoes, electronics and school supplies.

“Check to see if your state is one of the 20 that has a tax-free shopping weekend or period this summer,” Christoforous says. “That’s a great time to save on big-ticket items like shoes and computers. Just search the Internet for tax-free holidays in your state to find out if and when they’re happening.”

States offering sales tax exemption

For more information about specific covered items and spending limits, visit the Federation of Tax Administrators website

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), the majority of back-to-school shoppers have already started buying school supplies. “The back-to-school and college season is an important time for retailers and consumers,” NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights Katherine Cullen said in an official press release.

“Families and students are eager to boost their shopping for the start of the school year. Retailers have anticipated this early demand and are well positioned to offer a variety of products at competitive prices.”

Christoforous also highlights other ways to save, including “Walmart offering hundreds of its back-to-school items for under $10 and new this year,” and Kohl’s offering deep discounts on Levi’s jeans.

Consumers can expect more discounts on school supplies through Labor Day.