Sales Tax Holidays Set for July 31st-August 3rd and October 2nd-5th

Today Governor Sonny Perdue signed HB 948, the sales and use tax bill, which continues the annual “back to school” sales tax holiday as well as the annual energy efficient products sales tax holiday. This year, with the signing of SB 342, water efficient products with the WaterSense designation will also be eligible for the energy efficient products sales tax holiday.

“Sales tax holidays continue to provide Georgians with much needed relief when purchasing everyday household items, back to school supplies and, this year, water efficient products,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “Past experience shows that retail stores will also benefit from an increase in sales, helping local economies to prosper.”

During the annual “back to school” sales tax holiday, Georgia shoppers will have the opportunity to purchase certain clothing items, computers and computer accessories tax-free. The “back to school” sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m., Thursday, July 31st and continues until midnight Sunday, August 3rd.

“This legislation offers Georgians the opportunity to save needed dollars on items ranging from school supplies to energy efficient products,” said Rep. Lynn Smith. “I am pleased that we can continue this tradition.”

Georgia’s fourth annual ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m., Thursday, October 2nd and continues until midnight on October 5th. During this period, products with the ENERGY STAR designation will be exempt from the state sales and use tax. WaterSense products will be eligible for the tax free sales tax holiday during this period.

WaterSense will help consumers identify water-efficient products and programs. The WaterSense label will indicate that these products and programs meet water efficiency and performance criteria. WaterSense labeled products will perform well, help save money and encourage innovation in manufacturing. For additional information on WaterSense, please visit http://www.epa.gov/watersense/.

The sales tax exemption is intended only for individuals and their personal use. It does not apply to purchases made for resale, purchases by businesses, items leased or rented, or items sold at sports facilities, theme parks, restaurants, public lodging establishments and airports.
For more information on this legislation, please visit www.legis.state.ga.us.