By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Erie County residents planning to do some back-to-school shopping might want to wait until Tuesday. That's when a "Sales Tax-Free Week" begins.
The state said it's okay for the county to exempt the full eight-and-a-quarter percent sales tax on purchases of clothing and footwear under $110. The county Legislature approved the exemption in July.
Starting Tuesday, shoppers will enjoy the tax-free week. Legislature Chairman Chuck Swanick says by waiving the state sales tax, everyone benefits -- shoppers, the county and retailers.
"This is generally a slower time for merchants, coming off a sluggish summer," Swanick said. "We're thinking with everyone going back to school, this could be a huge benefit for them in this region. But our biggest interest is citizens."
State sales tax free weeks were held in the county back in 1999 and 2000. Swanick says they were very successful. But now they are back for another round.
"This will be the only one this year, August 26 through September 1st," Swanick explained. "We will have another one in '04, January 23 through February 1st."
January was selected for the next tax free week to help boost retail sales for businesses who tend to experience a drop in sales after the holidays.