By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – A sales tax-free week on clothing purchases in New York began Monday.
Now through Sunday, the state is lifting its four-percent tax on sales of clothing and footwear costing less than $110 per item. Here in Western New York, all eight counties are removing their share of the tax, too. In Erie County, that means consumers will save eight-and-three-quarters percent.
The tax exemption even applies to clothing purchases made through the mail, telephone or Internet this week. Custom made apparel that arrives after the seven day exemption period is also eligible for the tax break.
Ellen Kaminsky, marketing manager for the Eastern Hills Mall, says the sales tax free week comes at the right time for retailers.
"January sales tend to be a bit soft coming out of the holidays," Kaminsky said. "So, the timing of the tax free week is crucial to drive traffic to the mall.
Under a law passed last year by state legislators, the state's four-percent tax on clothing purchases is scheduled to be permanently eliminated on April 1st. But Governor Pataki's proposed budget would keep the tax in place along with two tax-free weeks a year. The maximum for exempted clothing items sold during those weeks would be raised to $250.