Alabama has offered a sales tax holiday since 2006. Learn specifics about Alabama’s fifth annual 2010 sales tax holiday, when the savings are offered, see common items that qualify, and find a link for helpful tips to get the best deals with state tax savings.
When is the 2010 Alabama Sales Tax Holiday?
Alabama’s 3-day sales tax holiday will start at 12:01 a.m. on August 6 and end at midnight on August 8 in 2010. During those dates, Alabama retailers will not charge state sales tax or use tax on qualifying items that many will purchase in back-to-school shopping. Participating municipalities will also enjoy no local sales or local use sales tax during that time as well.
What Items are Tax-free During the Alabama Sales Tax Holiday?
The 2010 Alabama sales tax holiday will apply to several different items under the following categories, with the limits for individually priced items in parentheses:
- Certain clothing (up to $100)
- Computers, computer software, and school computer supplies (up to $750)
- Noncommercial purchases of school supplies, school art supplies, and school instructional materials (up to $50)
Examples of clothing that qualifies for the AL sales tax holiday include:
- Belts
- Boots and shoes
- Coats, jackets, and raincoats
- Diapers
- Dresses
- Gloves
- Gym suits
- Hats and caps
- Hosiery
- Pajamas
- Pants and shorts
- School uniforms
- Shirts
- Shoes, sandals, and socks
- Underwear
Clothing accessories, protective equipment, and sports or recreational equipment do not qualify for the sales tax holiday.
Examples of qualifying computers and computer-related equipment include:
- Laptop, desktop or tower (must include a CPU with or without accessories)
- Printers (also printer paper and printer ink)
- Storage media such as blank CDs
- PDAs
- Electronic schedulers
Computer-related items that do not qualify for the sales tax holiday include items such as cell phones, non-educational video games, and computer-related supplies designed primarily for recreation.
Qualifying school supplies include items such as:
- Artwork paints and paintbrushes
- Binders, notebooks, folders, composition books, and paper
- Books (up to $30)
- Book bags and lunchboxes
- Calculators
- Clay, glazes, and watercolors
- Crayons, pens, and markers
- Erasers
- Glue and cellophane tape
- Pencils and pencil boxes
- Reference maps and globes
- Required textbooks (between $30 and $50)
- Rulers and scissors
The Alabama Department of Revenue provides a detailed list of exempt and taxable items, information about discounts, rebates, gift certificates and gift cards, and other special situations and how they relate to the sales tax holiday.
Save Money During AL Sales Tax Holiday
Alabama’s 2010 tax holiday offers shoppers a sales tax holiday between August 6 and 8. With the challenges of a recession, many shop owners may also enjoy a boost in sales.
Readers may find helpful money-saving tips for:
- Getting the best deals during and before a sales tax holiday
- Quick tips for smart grocery shopping
- Free school fundraisers
Those interested in learning about 2010 sales tax holidays in other states may find these links to be helpful:
- Illinois Sales Tax Holiday
- Maryland Sales Tax Holiday
- Virginia Sales Tax Holiday
- North Carolina Sales Tax Holiday
- Florida Sales Tax Holiday
This article is for informational purposes only and does not list all exceptions and items included in the sales tax holiday.
Source:
Alabama Department of Revenue web site accessed July 26, 2010
Katrena Wells - Katrena Wells is a RN in NC with 17 1/2 years of experience in oncology, an educator since 1995, and has taught exercise classes since ...
Join the Conversation