State Tax Free Shopping Days Announced

Yeah, it's only 4%, but why not save every penny you can? Kids going back to school and all those expenses can add up.  You can shop free of state sales tax and act like you're really stickin' it to "the man."

You'll need details, of course:

Louisiana shoppers can make purchases free of the 4 percent state sales tax on most retail items during the 2012 Louisiana Annual Sales Tax Holiday on Friday, Aug. 3, and Saturday, Aug. 4.

The exemption applies to the first $2,500 of the purchase price of each eligible item.

Eligibility

The sales tax exemption applies to "individual items of tangible personal property" under the following conditions:

The customer buys and accepts delivery of eligible property;

The customer places property on layaway;

The customer acquires property that was previously placed on layaway; or

The customer places an order for immediate delivery, even if delivery must be delayed, provided that the customer has not requested delayed shipment.

Local sales taxes apply unless the local taxing authority allows its own exemption.

The sales tax holiday does not apply to:

Vehicles subject to license and title

Meals prepared for consumption on premises or to-go

Taxable services such as hotel occupancy, laundry services, printing services, telecommunication services, the furnishing of cold storage space, leases or rentals of tangible personal property, repairs to tangible personal property, and admission to athletic, amusement, or recreational facilities or events

Tax Deduction for School Expenses

The Louisiana Department of Revenue encourages shoppers to retain receipts for school supplies, uniforms and educational equipment required by schools.  These expenses may be eligible for tax deductions on 2012 Louisiana Individual Income Tax Returns due May 15, 2013.  To claim the deductions, you must be able to claim the student as a dependent on your state individual income tax return, and you must be able to provide documentation for the expenses.

For more information about the 2012 Louisiana Annual Sales Tax Holiday, visit www.revenue.louisiana.gov/taxholiday.