Editorial

Sales tax holiday

If you like saving money, you will want to visit local retailers this weekend to take advantage of Missouri's back-to-school sales tax holiday.

Starting at 12:01 a.m. Friday and ending at midnight Sunday, shoppers will be exempt from paying the state's 4.225 percent sales tax when purchasing school supplies, computer items and clothing. Additionally, those shopping in Cape Girardeau County will save on the county's 1 percent sales tax.

The city of Jackson is also participating in the sales tax off weekend by suspending their 1.5 percent sales tax for qualifying purchases. And while Cape Girardeau has opted not to forgo its 2.75 percent sales tax, some retailers have chosen to absorb the tax in an effort to draw more customers.

Another bonus for Missouri retailers this year is that Illinois has chosen not to have a sales tax holiday weekend, therefore potentially drawing more customers from across the river.

To find a list of taxing entities in Missouri not participating in the tax-free weekend for back-to-school purchases, go to www.dor.mo.gov.

There will be deals to be had this weekend, and coupling those deals with reduced or no sales tax potentially could result in big savings for customers and strong sales for retailers.

Happy shopping.

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