Overview of the Tax-Free Holiday
The sales tax-free holiday was reinstated under the Georgia Jobs and Family Tax Reform Plan in 2012 and extended for an additional two years through this year’s tax reform package.
“Reducing the tax burden on hard-working families has always been a top priority of mine,” said Deal.
“This sales tax holiday will allow Georgia families to save money on those necessary items for school, and it is my hope that they get out this weekend and take advantage of this opportunity. I remain committed to maintaining our status as having one of the lowest per capita taxpayer burdens in the country, and I thank the General Assembly for working with me to make this weekend a possibility.”
What Is Exempt from Sales Tax
Shoppers will not have to pay sales tax on a variety of items costing $100 or less.
Tax-Exempt Items Include:
- Clothing such as dresses, pants and shirts
- Footwear, including cleats and spiked shoes
- Bathing suits
- Underwear, including corsets and corset laces
- Costumes
- Shoe laces
- Hand muffs
- Football pads and athletic supporters
- Formal wear
- Diapers, for both children and adults
Items Still Subject to Sales Tax
The following are some of the things you still will have to pay taxes on:
- Handbags
- Jewelry
- Non-prescription eyewear
- Baby bibs and crib blankets
- Umbrellas
- Watches and watchbands
- Cufflinks
- Cosmetics
- Fanny packs
- Wigs and hair pieces
Electronics and Computer Equipment
Also exempt from taxes for the two days are certain computers and electronics costing $1,000 or less.
Exempt Electronics Include:
- Printers and printer cartridges
- Scanners
- Computer cables and batteries
- Speakers and microphones
- Laptop, desktop and tablet computers
Electronics Still Taxable:
- Cell phones
- Televisions
- Copy machines
- Digital cameras
- Computer bags and cases for electronic devices
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Georgia’s sales tax-free holiday?
Georgia’s sales tax-free holiday is a designated period during which certain items are exempt from sales tax. It was reinstated under the Georgia Jobs and Family Tax Reform Plan in 2012 and extended to help families save on essential purchases, especially for back-to-school shopping.
What items qualify for the tax exemption?
Items such as clothing, footwear, school uniforms, diapers (adult and child), formal wear, and select athletic gear are exempt if each item is priced at $100 or less. Eligible electronics like laptops and tablets priced under $1,000 also qualify.
Are all electronics included in the tax-free holiday?
No, only certain computer-related items such as laptops, tablets, printers, scanners, and computer accessories under $1,000 are tax-exempt. Other electronics like televisions, cell phones, and digital cameras are still taxable.
Can I purchase accessories like handbags or jewelry tax-free?
No, accessories including handbags, jewelry, watches, and cosmetics are not included in the sales tax exemption and will still be subject to standard sales tax.
How often does the tax-free holiday occur?
While originally reintroduced in 2012 and extended for a limited period, the occurrence of the tax-free holiday depends on state legislation. It is typically announced annually as part of the state’s tax reform or budget plans.