Putnam Tries Eliminating Sales Tax on Clothing and Footwear Under $110

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — Putnam County is trying an experiment: eliminating the sales tax on clothing and footwear under $110 for two years, as of March.

A resolution enacting the measure was passed unanimously by the Putnam County Legislature earlier this month and Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne signed the legislation earlier this week.

"New York State already doesn’t charge sales tax on these items under $110," Byrne said. "So, with absolutely no sales tax being charged, this is significant because for the first time, it’s going to be cheaper to shop here for clothes and shoes in Putnam County than it will be to go to neighboring Connecticut."

The change was part of a series of initiatives proposed in Byrne's 2024 county budget.

"Sales tax on needed goods like these are inherently regressive, disproportionately harming those most economically vulnerable," Byrne said.

“This will really help the populations we serve, folks who are having a difficult time making ends meet,” said Bill Hammond, co-chair of Putnam Community Action Partnership, a nonprofit group that helps low-income families and at-risk individuals. “We know they can use this extra money, whether it’s for heating their homes, clothing their children, this is going to be a big help.”

The signing was part of a news conference held in front of Marshall's in Brewster.

“I think this a wonderful move, it’s good for our community, it’s good for our businesses and I want to encourage people to come to Putnam County and shop," said Kathleen Abels, President of the Putnam County Economic Development Corporation.

The two-year sales tax exemption will begin on March 1 and is expected to equate to a $3 million per year tax cut. During that period, Putnam County will evaluate the exact fiscal impact to the county and will have the option to renew the tax cut in 2026.

“The legislature is proud to work with the County Executive to lower sales tax in Putnam County and we also worked to lower property taxes in the county,” said Paul Jonke, Chairman of the Putnam County Legislature. “This is what Putnam County now is, we are looking for ways to save the taxpayers money, and put the dollars back into the taxpayers pockets.”