State Sales Tax Repealed on Clothing and Footwear Under $110

New York repealed the four percent state sales tax as of Sunday, April 1 on clothing, footwear and similar items costing less than $110 each.

"Go out and spend some money," said Assemblyman James Brennan (D-Brooklyn).

"The assembly has been working on this for years, pushing the concept of exempting things under $110. It got temporarily repealed during the recession, but then we got it phased back in."

The program, which is in its second year, applies to items purchased in person, over the Internet, by phone or by mail. The qualifying amount for the sales tax exemption has doubled from clothing and footwear sold at $55 or less, to items sold at $110 or less.

The sales tax exemption will save taxpayers an estimated $210 million and give local retailers an economic boost.

"I think it has always been felt that it creates an incentive to spend in New York," said Brennan.

"Some other states have some part of their clothing and footwear purchases exempt, so I think some New Yorkers have gone out of state. Low and moderate income families need these basic neccessities, so it's helpful. It's equal parts relief and equal parts incentive."

For more information on the sales tax exemption, visit the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance website.