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After scouring the internet, I still didn’t find anything listed on the State’s websites about a tax-free weekend for back-to-school shopping. Which, of course, doesn’t mean it isn’t there, it just means that I couldn’t find it.

What I did find, however, was that a few other folks were talking about it, including a reference on ajc.com last month as well as a very informative section on another website, taxrates.com, which explains how the tax exemptions work.

The dates are August 10-11, 2012. That’s it. You get two days. And, there are some rules to stick to, as well:
•Clothing and footwear with a sales price of $100.00 or less per item.
•A single personal computer or personal computer-related accessory purchase with a sales price of $1,000.00 or less.
•General school supplies for classroom or related activities with a sales price of $20.00 or less per item.

There are also rules to NOT do. The sales tax exemption does not include these: clothing accessories, jewelry, handbags, umbrellas, eyewear, watches, watchbands, cellular devices, furniture, computer-related accessories designed for recreational use, items used in a trade or business or for resale, or rentals; or sales in theme parks, entertainment complexes, public lodging establishments, restaurants, or airports.

I suppose there are clothes out there that cost over $100.00 each, but I’m sure I haven’t seen them where I’m shopping for back-to-school supplies, so it doesn’t seem like this list is extraordinarily limiting, except that backpacks can easily cost over the $20.00 or less “general school supplies” limit.

The only other snafu I see is that a large number of Georgia’s schools start back before the tax-free weekend, which is the case for our household. My plan is to get what we need for the first week and join the masses on the tax-free weekend to finish up.

And, since we have only two days to do all of the shopping that needs to be done, I suggest we prepare. Luckily, schools are making that easier on us since many of them provide a list of classroom supplies to parents before school starts. (Check your school’s website.) My son will need to take 3 boxes of tissues, sanitizing wipes, and hand sanitizer in addition to the standard crayons, safety scissors, etc. While these costs add up, I’m sure I don’t mind donating supplies that will (with all sincere and earnest hope) keep him from getting sick as much. And, since he’s at a public school that requires uniforms, my goal is to get enough clothes for one week and one extra set. Surely I can wash one load of his uniforms in a week, right?! If not, that back-up set will be in perpetual stand-by… maybe.

Make your lists, shop those sale papers, clip coupons, and I’ll see you there on August 10-11 for tax-exempt back-to-school shopping in Georgia!

Be sure to check our follow-up blogs on Back-to-School Shopping and Savings and Specials for Teachers.