NYS Sales Tax Repealed on Clothing Less Than $110

New York State repealed the four percent state sales tax as of Sunday, April 1, on clothing, footwear and similar items costing less than $110 each.

“Increasing the impact of this tax-relief program will help strengthen the purchasing power of residents throughout New York state. That's good for hard-working men and women who're constantly trying to stretch their budgets to provide for their families and equally good for helping to stimulate our economy,” Senator John Flanagan (R) stated in a release.

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.

In addition, the change in state law will also remove the .375 percent MTA portion of the sales tax from any eligible purchases in areas affected, which includes both Suffolk and Nassau Counties.

Since Nassau and Suffolk don't participate in the program by offering a local exemption, articles of clothing and footwear will still be subject to county sales tax.

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

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