Joel Malkin

Joel Malkin

I've spent more than 30 years on the radio in Palm Beach County, starting as a deejay in the late 1980s. Over the years, I became a news...Full Bio

 

Computers, Clothes & Crayons Are Sales Tax-Free

The Back to School Sales Tax Holiday is underway at retailers throughout Florida. 

The holiday runs through the weekend and the Florida Retail Federation says businesses are expecting big crowds, coming in second only to Black Friday when it comes to the business it brings in to retailers. 

The average family with kids in elementary through high school is expected to spend just under $688 on clothing, shoes, accessories and school supplies. 

No sales tax will be charged on clothing and accessories priced at or under $60 per item.  That does not include watches, sportswear or jewelry.  It does include backpacks, book bags, wallets and purses. 

School supplies priced at or under $15 each are also exempt, with the exception of most books.  So, that dictionary or thesaurus on your child's school supply list, is not tax-free.  Also not covered...staplers and printer paper, although printers themselves are covered under the category of computers and computer accessories priced up to $750. 

With Palm Beach County's 7 percent sales tax, you'll save $52.50 on the purchase of a $750 computer. The holiday covers laptops, desk tops, tablets, e-readers, as well as modems, printers and other accessories.  It does not cover smart phones or MP3 players. 

The sales tax holiday runs until 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

Click Here for a full list of what IS and is NOT exempt, from the Dept. of Revenue.


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