Kansas Senate Bill SB29

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/12/23
• Failed: 4/30/24

Caption

Providing a back-to-school sales tax holiday for sales of school supplies, computers and clothing.

Impact

The implementation of SB29 will have substantial effects on state revenue, as the sales tax holiday is expected to increase sales volume among retailers during the specified time period. Supporters argue that this could promote local economic activity and provide families with much-needed financial relief. On the regulatory side, retailers will not be required to obtain exemption certificates from purchasers for eligible items during this tax holiday, simplifying the purchasing process. Furthermore, procedures regarding exchanges and layaway sales during the holiday will be clearly articulated to enhance consumer clarity.

Summary

Senate Bill 29 introduces a sales tax holiday in Kansas designed to exempt certain back-to-school purchases, including clothing, school supplies, and personal computers. This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on families during the back-to-school season, particularly when kids require new items including clothes, educational materials, and technology. The bill specifies that during this annual sales tax holiday, no sales tax will be applied to eligible purchases made between the first Thursday in August and the following Sunday.

Contention

Notably, there are points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly concerning which items will be classified as eligible for the tax exemption. Some stakeholders may feel that the bill needs to provide more comprehensive definitions and guidelines to prevent confusion among consumers and retailers alike. For instance, the classification of clothing is extensive, yet exclusions apply to certain items that may commonly be purchased along with clothing, which could lead to disputes at the point of sale. Additionally, the potential loss of sales tax revenue has raised concerns among legislators about the long-term financial implications for the state budget.