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In order to help ease the Back to School spending burden on Missouri families, the state offers an annual tax-free shopping weekend the 1st weekend in August.
But you don’t have to be a parent or a student to take advantage of the tax savings. If you have been thinking of overhauling your wardrobe or buying a new computer, you should take advantage of the money you would save by not paying taxes if you shop in 2 weeks.
Apple Store line during 2012 tax-free weekend
This year, the tax-free shopping weekend is Friday 8/7/15 – Sunday 8/9/15.
Local municipal jurisdictions have the option to opt-out of the sales tax holiday. Regardless of where you shop in Missouri, you will not be charged the state portion of sales tax for eligible purchases.
However, you may still be charged sales tax depending on where you shop!
Be sure to check the links below before you go shopping if you want to avoid ALL sales tax on your eligible purchases. All of the St. Louis area counties are participating in the tax-free holiday, but you might be surprised at the cities and districts opting out.
Here are just a few of the cities that have major shopping areas that will still be charging local sales tax:
- Brentwood
- Bridgeton
- Des Peres (West County Mall is located here!)
- Ellisville
- Fenton
- Frontenac (Frontenac Plaza is located here!)
- Kirkwood
- Manchester
- Richmond Heights (Galleria Mall is located here!)
- St. Peters
Not only will many communities still be charging city or district taxes, but their tax rates will vary. If you are planning on making big purchases, it’s definitely worth checking to see where you will save the most tax before you choose your store location.
See the full list of areas that will still be charging tax: counties, cities and districts
In addition, stores in which less than 2% of their merchandise are eligible items do not have to participate in the sales tax holiday.
Keep in mind, that you will still pay lower sales taxes regardless of where you shop in Missouri during the tax holiday rather than on another day. However, if you want to avoid all sales tax, you need to take a look at the lists and carefully choose where you go shopping.
What Purchases are Eligible for the Tax-Free Weekend?
You can purchase items at a Missouri store or over the internet and qualified items will be exempt from tax. You also don’t need to be a Missouri resident to receive the tax benefits…so plan a trip to St. Louis for the weekend of August 1 – 3 and stock up!
You can avoid paying sales taxes on these items:
- Clothing – any article having a taxable value of $100 or less
- School supplies – not to exceed $50 per purchase
- Computer software – taxable value of $350 or less
- Personal computers – not to exceed $3,500
- Computer peripheral devices – not to exceed $3,500
See a detailed list of what items qualify under each of these categories and what is excluded
Questions?
If you need more information, visit the MO state website to see FAQ and a list of the tax rates being charged by jurisdiction.
Are You Thinking About Moving?
I specialize in selling St. Louis homes regardless of whether they will be the hot listing to hit the market or if they have a challenge that makes it much harder to sell.
I also work with buyers who want to find the home of their dreams, but don’t want to overpay.
If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in the St Louis area, give me a call at 314-265-8073 and let’s talk about your options.
