Connecticut Senate Bill SB00470

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/21
• Refer: 1/27/21

Caption

An Act Concerning The Date Of The Annual Sales Tax Free Week.

Impact

The moving of the Sales Tax Free Week may have several implications for businesses and consumers alike. Retailers specializing in clothing and footwear may benefit from a surge in sales as parents take advantage of the tax exemption closer to the school year. This could potentially lead to increased foot traffic in stores and higher overall revenue for businesses during this peak shopping period. Additionally, consumers may experience some relief from sales tax during a time when expenditures on school supplies and clothing are typically high.

Summary

SB00470 proposes an amendment to section 12-407e of the general statutes regarding the timing of the annual Sales Tax Free Week, specifically for clothing and footwear. The bill aims to move this event to the week commencing on the second Sunday in August, as opposed to its current schedule. This change is anticipated to provide families with additional opportunities to shop tax-free during a peak back-to-school shopping period, which can ultimately ease some financial burdens during this time of year. Proponents argue that the timing aligns well with consumer shopping habits as students prepare to return to school.

Contention

While the bill appears to be well-received by many, there are potential concerns among opponents who argue that changing the date of Sales Tax Free Week could disrupt existing marketing and sales strategies that retailers have established based on the current schedule. This could also lead to confusion among consumers if messaging isn't clear. Stakeholders may need to consider how this transition could affect both consumer behavior and retailer operations during a transformative period in the retail calendar.