BBB Tuesday Tip: Making the most of your tax-exempt holiday

The upcoming sales tax holiday will be August 2 through August 4, 2013. Florida law directs that no sales tax will be collected on sales of clothing under $75 and school supplies. For the first year, personal computers and certain related accessories selling for $750 or less per item will be included.

Your BBB offers the following suggestions for a successful sales tax holiday weekend:

• Plan ahead. Set a realistic budget and stick to it. Make a list of items you need to purchase to avoid buying on impulse.
• Shop carefully. Tax holiday “sales” and promotions may not be what they appear to be. Compare prices and sales at similar stores.
• Ask questions. Find out how refunds and exchanges are handled after the sales tax holiday has ended.
• Shop with reliable retailers. Always check with your BBB for a Business Review on the business.
• Collect store discount coupons. The store discount coupons reduce the sales price of an item. Manufacturer’s coupons are not paid by the retailer and do not reduce the selling price of an item during tax-exempt weekend.
• Some business locations are not included. Theme parks, entertainment complexes, public lodging establishments, and airports are excluded from participating in the sales tax holiday.
• Not all items are tax-exempt. Clothing does not include watches, watchbands, jewelry, umbrellas, or sporting equipment. Personal computers do not include cellular telephones, video game consoles, digital media receivers, or devices that are not primarily designed to process data.

There is no limit on the number of items you can purchase during the tax-exempt holiday. If you buy tax-exempt items and the store charges you tax, take the receipt back to the store owner and ask for a refund of the tax.

For a complete list of tax exempt items or any questions visit the Department of Revenue website: www.myflorida.com/dor

For more tips you can trust, visit bbb.org and for the latest, follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nwfl.bbb.

Businesses, We Want You!

If you are interested in a free presentation, contact BBB Communications Director, Danielle Rudd, at [email protected]. Some topics include:

• Protecting Yourself from ID theft
• Scams Against Businesses
• Scams Against Seniors
• Smart Consumer (budgeting, saving, wise car buying, etc.)

BBB|Northwest Florida

912 E. Gadsden St.

Pensacola, FL 32501

850.429.0026

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