Florida Sales Tax Holiday Set for Aug. 12-14

Heads up, parents!

Here's something you need to know when planning your school shopping: Florida's 2011 Sales Tax Holiday is very different from last year's. This year, books will not be exempt, but the price of eligible items has increased.

The dates for the tax holiday are Aug. 12-14.

This year, no sales tax will be collected on clothing, footwear and certain accessories selling for $75 or less, or on certain school supplies selling for $15 or less. If you purchase an article of clothing, for example, that costs $80, you will be taxed for the entire $80 because the item does not qualify.

Last year, the tax break applied to eligible clothing, footwear and accessories priced $50 or less, and school supplies that were $10 or less. Last year, certain books were eligible for the tax holiday.

Some other rules for the Sales Tax Holiday:

• You do not have to purchase items separately to qualify for the tax break. The exemption is based on the sales price of each item, not total sales on the invoice. For example, if you bought three shirts at the same time, and the shirts each cost $75, all  would qualify for the exemption. This also applies to school supplies.
• There is no limit on the number of items you can purchase during the Sales Tax Holiday.
• Manufacturers' coupons do not reduce the sales price of an item.
• Store coupons and discounts do reduce the sales price of an item.
• Businesses do not have an option of participating in the Sales Tax Holiday. All businesses that sell items listed that qualify must participate with the exception of theme parks, entertainment complexes, public lodging establishments and airports.
• If you buy tax exempt items and realize you were charged tax, you should take your receipt to the store owner and ask for a refund of the tax.

Some Other Helpful Sales Tax Holiday Links:

• List of items that qualify for the Sales Tax Holiday.
• Details about the 2011 Sales Tax Holiday.
• Frequently asked questions about the Sales Tax Holiday.
• Places to shop in Carrollwood and Northdale for clothing and accessories.