Time to Go Back to School Shopping, It's Sales Tax-Free Weekend

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma -- Friday is the first day of Oklahoma's sales tax-free weekend. The shopping holiday lasts until midnight on Sunday at all retail stores throughout the state.

The holiday gives back to school shoppers the chance to buy clothing and shoes free of sales tax. That includes both state and local tax.

The sales tax-free weekend only applies to clothing and shoes priced less than $100.

If you don't have a chance to get out this weekend and shop, any online orders placed and processed this weekend are included in the holiday, even if it's not shipped until later.

The tax-free holiday started in 2007 after state lawmakers passed a bill trying to help boost the state economy.

To help avoid any confusion, Bruce Smith with the Oklahoma Tax Commission shared what purchases qualify this weekend.

"We have a bunch of shirts here. Moms are going to be shopping looking for these for the kids so this is ok. It's an item of clothing. So mom sees a purse, sunglasses, and a necklace to wear.  No, those are accessories, they do not qualify. It's not an item of clothing," said Bruce Smith.

However some items that appear to be accessories are exempt. Before you dump a bunch of school supplies in your basket, remember it is not tax free.

"Back to school items, computers, notebooks, things like that, no," said Smith.

That includes backpacks.

QUALIFIES FOR TAX-FREE WEEKEND:

• Any clothing
• Shoes (including sneakers)
• Any items priced less than $100 individually

DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR TAX-FREE WEEKEND:

• Accessories: backpacks, purses, jewelry
• Any clothing or shoes designed specifically for a sport
• School supplies: crayons, markers, paper
• Any individual items costing more than $100 each

Many stores will have a list of what's exempt and what's not exempt. Just remember to ask for a copy before you go shopping.