HARTFORD, CT – Governor Ned Lamont is reminding Connecticut residents that the state’s annual Sales Tax Free Week this year begins Sunday, August 16, 2020 and runs through Saturday, August 22, 2020. During this one-week sales tax holiday, retail purchases of most clothing and footwear items priced under $100 are exempt from Connecticut sales and use tax. This exemption applies to each eligible item under $100, regardless of how many of those items are sold to a customer on the same invoice.
Connecticut’s Sales Tax Free Week was enacted as part of the biennial budget that was signed into law last year by Governor Lamont and supported by House and Senate Democrats.
“Having this tax-free holiday helps working families stretch their dollar a little bit more during the busy back-to-school season while giving businesses an extra boost to their bottom line,” Governor Lamont said. “This year, it will hopefully also help support some of our local businesses that continue to recover following the global health pandemic. I encourage everyone to support Connecticut’s locally-owned retailers and small business community – and do so safely by wearing face coverings and social distancing so we can continue doing our best to protect public health.”
Governor Lamont stressed that while shopping, the safety of retail employees and customers must remain a top priority. Adherence to the state’s reopening rules for retail establishments – which includes the wearing of face coverings, configuring of indoor spaces to maintain social distancing, and frequent hand washing and sanitizing of surfaces, among other best practices – will continue to help limit the potential spread of COVID-19.
“Sales Tax Free Week comes at a time of year when families typically purchase new clothing and footwear, which can add up to real savings,” Department of Revenue Services Acting Commissioner John Biello said. “While the back to school shopping season will look a bit different this year, taxpayers should keep in mind that Connecticut’s sales tax holiday applies to eligible items purchased in stores, and from online retailers. We encourage taxpayers to support our business community and take advantage of this opportunity to save.”
“This year, Connecticut Sales Tax Free Week is not only an opportunity for state residents to save money on purchases, but an incentive for customers to reconnect with local retail businesses,” Connecticut Retail Merchants Association President Timothy G. Phelan said. “Connecticut retailers’ responsiveness to their customers, exceptional customer service, and involvement in local communities hasn’t wavered throughout these challenging times. Retailers have stepped up to take necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of their customers, and look forward to playing a pivotal role in the strength and vibrancy of Connecticut’s economic recovery.”
Many retailers in Connecticut offer additional clothing and footwear discounts during Sales Tax Free Week, resulting in even more savings for shoppers.
Specific information on Connecticut’s Sales Tax Free Week, including a listing of individual items that are exempt or taxable, can be found by visiting the Department of Revenue Services website at ct.gov/drs and clicking the “2020 Sales Tax Free Week” link.
