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If it wasn’t apparent by the window signs, coupons and TV ads, Georgia’s tax-free weekend is officially here, allowing parents to knock off some big ticket back-to-school shopping.
At the Victory Drive Target on Thursday, despite large pencil-shaped posters on its doors, several shoppers said they had forgotten about it.
“I usually do shop tax-free weekend, but I wasn’t paying attention and I already bought half my kids’ school supplies,” said Kelle Jackson on her way to her car.
Jackson said she’d knocked out the list for her five-year-old but would return this weekend for her 3-year-old.
Friday and Saturday mark the beginning of the end of summer vacation for many kids and parents as big-box retailers and smaller businesses hold their annual back-to-school tax exempt bonanzas.
In Chatham County, that means a savings of 7 percent per sale.
The savings apply to most school supplies, clothing under $100 and footwear under $100. Computers, computer accessories and software are also exempt at a price of $1,000 or less per item.
View a full list of the tax-exempt items.
About 16 states have a tax-free weekend toward the beginning of August, though some critics say these holidays are ineffective, merely shifting spending, not increasing it. Some states, such as North Carolina, have repealed the holiday.
Georgia moved the holiday earlier this year after parents complained about the 2013 exemption falling a week after school had started.
Nichole Lescoe, a mother of four, said she doesn’t wait for the holiday because most things get picked over by then.
“In this town, if you wait too long, you can’t find the things you need,” said Lescoe. “It’s worth it to pay the tax to get the supplies.”
Others agreed that tax or no tax, it was more important to get the supplies, with school uniforms being particularly difficult to obtain past a certain point.
Latrisha Dukes, a teacher, said she won’t be taking advantage due to the crowds.
“I don’t bother with it anymore,” said Dukes. “Maybe if it started on a Thursday like it used to, but Friday and Saturday is too crowded.”
Besides, she added, she already has everything she needs.
