This weekend is the state’s sales tax holiday. On Aug. 1 and Aug. 2, sales tax won’t be charged on clothing, school supplies and some computers. Small businesses are hoping it will provide the boost they need.

Kyle Jackson, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, says 13 percent of small business owners surveyed this month say poor sales is their greatest concern.

“Because of the economic turmoil we’ve seen over the last five or six years, people are maybe a little more cautious, a little more conservative with their money and not spending on as much discretionary items as they have in the past,” said Jackson. “And you know when people aren’t out spending money that hurts our retailers first and foremost.”

He says since small retailers have been struggling to lure customers into stores, there may likely be other specials in addition to the sales tax holiday, including free or discounted shipping on line purchases.

“And for your brick and mortar shops, it’s maybe putting some of those big ticket items, the more in-demand items that traditionally aren’t on sale on sale to try to get people in through the doors and try to spend their money.”

You can find a list of tax exempt items here.

More information is also available on online at the Georgia Department of Revenue.

Got questions about Georgia's Tax free holiday, ask us on our Family blog.

Tags: education, school supplies, tax free weekend