Legislators Encourage Citizens to Take Advantage of Back to School Tax-Free Weekend

Created in 2007, the Back to School Sales Tax Holiday is in its fourth year and Senators Don Barrington and Jay Paul Gumm hope that Oklahomans will take advantage of the cost-savings and make this year the most successful one so far.

“Every year, more and more people have taken advantage of this great program not only helping their pocketbooks, but giving the state a much-needed economic boost,” said Barrington, R-Lawton. “We’re just now beginning to see signs that our state may be recovering from the nationwide economic crisis. Many are still out of work or struggling to make ends meet, and this will provide them an opportunity to provide clothing for their children.”

The two legislators successfully got the law enacted in 2007. Under the current law, every day clothing and shoes valued at less than $100 can be purchased free of sales tax this weekend (Friday, August 6 - Sunday, August 8).

“Having a young son, I’m all too aware of how fast children outgrown their clothes, which can be expensive for families especially during hard financial times like we’re in now,” said Gumm, D-Durant. “The tax free weekend will help relieve some of that financial burden for families, and I hope they’ll get out and take advantage of it.”

To learn more about this year’s Back to School Sales Tax Holiday including what items are exempt from sales tax, visit www.tax.ok.gov/stholiday.html.