Connecticut Sales Tax Holiday: When To Save On Back-To-School 2023

CONNECTICUT — The week of August 20-26 is the one to save money on back-to-school items during Connecticut’s sales tax holiday.

Connecticut established the sales tax holiday in 2001 to help families save money on school essentials. During the 7-day holiday, the state sales tax of 6.35 percent will be suspended on clothing and footwear up to $100.

Consumers are expected to spend a record $41.5 billion on back-to-school shopping this year, up from $36.9 billion last year and the previous high of $37.1 billion in 2021, according to the National Retail Foundation. Back-to-college shopping is expected to hit $94 billion, about $20 billion higher than last year.

Based on a survey of 7,843 consumers earlier this summer, the retail trade group estimates families with children in elementary through high school will spend an average of $890 on back-to-school shopping this year, about $25 more than last year’s record of just under $865.

College students and their families expect to spend about $1,367 on average this year, higher than the 2021 record where families spent $1,200.

In addition to big-ticket electronics like laptops, tablets, phones and calculators that kids in elementary through high school students need, college students put furnishings and food accounts on their back-to-school shopping lists, the retail group said.