Back-To-School Tax Free Week: What's On The List, And What's Not

EAST HAVEN, CT — You'll have to pay tax on ballet shoes, barrettes and bibs, lobster bibs that is, and most sports wear and equipment. But the list of clothing and footwear priced under $100 that are exempt from the Connecticut sales and use tax is voluminous, and interesting. And this is not just a back-to-school event.

Scout, chef and essentially all uniforms except sports, formal wear, even "square dancing clothes," items under $100 are tax-free.

Sunday, Aug. 20 to Saturday, Aug. 26 is Sales Tax-Free Week in Connecticut.

The exemption applies to each eligible item costing under $100 regardless of how many of those items are sold to a customer on the same invoice.

“This tax-free holiday is scheduled at the perfect time to help families stretch their dollars during the back-to-school season, while also giving businesses an extra boost to their bottom line,” Gov. Ned Lamont said. “I encourage everyone taking advantage of these savings to shop at some of our state’s locally owned retailers and support Connecticut’s great small business community.”

List Of Tax-Free Under $100 Clothing/Footwear

Antique clothing; Gloves; Rented uniforms; Aprons (kitchen); Golf dresses and skirts; Robes; Arm warmers; Golf jackets; Sashes; Athletic socks; Golf shirts; Scarves; Bandannas; Graduation caps and gowns; Scout uniforms; Baseball hats; Gym suits; Shirts; Bathing caps; Handkerchiefs; Shoelaces; Belts, suspenders, belt buckles; Hats, caps; Shoes: aerobic, basketball, boat, running (without cleats), safety (suitable for everyday wear); Bicycle sneakers (without cleats); Fashion boots; Ski sweaters, ski jackets; Blouses; Jeans; Sleepwear (nightgowns, pajamas); Chef uniforms; Jogging suits, sweat suits; Slippers; Children’s bibs; Leg warmers; Sneakers; Clerical vestments and religious clothing; Leotards, tights; Socks; Diapers (cloth or disposable, adult or child); Lingerie; Square dancing clothes; Dresses; Nylons, hosiery;* Swim suits; Ear muffs; Overclothes; Tennis clothing (dresses, hats, shorts, and skirts); Employee uniforms (such as police, fire, mechanics, nurses, postal); Overshoes, rubbers, boots; Ties (men’s and women’s); Formal wear gowns; Painter pants; Undergarments; Formal wear rentals; Ponchos; Wedding gowns, headpieces, and veils; Foul weather gear; Rain jackets, rain suits, rain wear; Work clothes. and Garters.

“Sales Tax-Free Week is a great opportunity for Connecticut families to get their back-to-school shopping done and save money at the same time,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “I encourage residents to take advantage of these savings and shop at their local small businesses, allowing those dollars to be reinvested back into their communities.”

Some back-to-school time garments many families spend money are not eligible for the benefit. Sports uniforms, shoes used for athletics including ballet, bicycle, bowling, cleated, football, golf, track, jazz, tap, and turf, athletic supporters, shin guards, helmets and myriad other sports-related garments are not eligible.

For more details on Sales Tax-Free Week, including a list of individual items that are exempt or taxable, visit portal.ct.gov/DRS/Sales-Tax/Sales-Tax-Free-Week.

During the week, many retailers frequently choose to offer additional clothing and footwear discounts of their own, resulting in even more savings for shoppers.

If your retail clothing and/or footwear business is featuring specials during ta-free week, tell us in the comments section!