The Georgia Back to School Tax Weekend Gets Doesn't Get a Passing Grade

There will be no sales tax relief for Back to School shoppers this year.  This past weekend, Georgia State Legislators did not renew the tax break.  A $2 million budget deficit was sited as the reason for the weekend being eliminated. 

The tax free weekend has been an annual event since 2002.  Each year, the weekend proved to be very popular with parents and retailers alike.  For those days, there was no sales tax on items from select categories.  They included select apparel items, school supplies and select electronics, such as computers and printers.  Many other consumers also took advantage of the tax savings to make their purchases. 

While the consumers saved, the plan actually cost the state several million dollars, an estimated $12 million in tax revenue.  Retailers will now have to stimulate their cash registers with other sales incentives.