JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder is encouraging back-to-school shoppers to take advantage of this weekend’s sales tax holiday, which begins Friday (Aug. 7) and runs through Sunday (Aug. 9).
In 2003, then-Sen. Kinder championed and won approval for legislation to establish a three-day sales tax holiday in the state. This innovative tax relief helps Missouri families by giving them a discount on all their back-to-school needs while helping Missouri’s economy with a boost in retail sales.
During the sales tax holiday, certain back-to-school purchases, such as clothing, school supplies, computers and other items are exempt from state sales tax.
“This is an excellent opportunity for Missouri families to save some money this weekend on items for their back-to-school lists,” Kinder said. “For three days, you will pay no state sales tax on qualifying purchases.”
The sales tax exemption applies to:
- Clothing – any article having a taxable value of $100 or less.
- School supplies – not to exceed $50 per purchase.
- Computer software – taxable value of $350 or less per purchase.
- Personal computers/computer devices – not to exceed $3,500.
“This is a simple, but effective way to help Missouri taxpayers,” Kinder added. “Because our state’s population centers are border cities, this tax holiday helps keep Missouri shoppers here while also attracting those from neighboring states.”
Many local governments also suspend local sales taxes during the sales tax holiday. The Missouri Department of Revenue provides a list of those that don’t. The list is available online, along with other information about the sales tax holiday, at: http://dor.mo.gov/business/
“I encourage everyone to take advantage of this temporary tax break,” Kinder said. “Enjoy your sales tax holiday.”
