Is Connecticut Tax Free Week Such A Good Deal?

This week, August 19 to 25, marks tax-free shopping week in Connecticut but is it really a great deal? Connecticut media outlets would have you believe so. The week will allow to save on paying the normal 6.35 percent tax on clothing and footwear up to $300. Some might say it’s a great deal considering Connecticut raised taxes last year from 6 to 6.35 percent and eliminated the tax exemption on clothing and shoes below $50.

However, one must only look to the north to see what was the better deal.

Unreported by most Connecticut media outlets was the Tax Free Weekend in Massachusetts. Perhaps they didn’t know, weren’t paying attention, or didn’t want to hurt Connecticut’s businesses. 

For Connecticut’s television stations, it runs contrary to their constant commercial spots telling consumers that they are “on your side” and “got your back”. 

August 11-12, 2012, Massachusetts shoppers experienced a tax exemption on all items less than $2,500. It’s a weekend enjoyed by both back-to-school shoppers and those looking to purchase high ticket items like TV’s and appliances.

Even alcohol falls under the exemption but motor vehicles, boats, meals, gas, and tobacco products do not. 

I heard the Massachusetts retail stores profit greatly that weekend drawing in many folks who know about the annual sale just over the border in Connecticut and Rhode Island. 

Connecticut should take a page from Massachusetts by condensing tax-free week to a weekend for 2013 and extending tax free exemptions to $2,500. This would be a huge help for Connecticut consumers. 

In the future, I encourage Connecticut media outlets to put consumers first, even if that means sending them over the border to do their shopping. 

If you missed out on Massachusetts Tax Free Weekend this year, don’t forget to look out for it next year.