MONTGOMERY – Governor Robert Bentley on Thursday encouraged Alabamians to remember this weekend’s state sales tax holiday for back-to-school items and stock up on needed supplies.

“The cost of school supplies can quickly add up, and this sales tax holiday is about saving families money,” Governor Bentley said.  “This is also a way of encouraging shoppers to support our businesses, large and small.  This is the seventh year for the sales tax holiday, and it covers a wide range of items from school supplies to clothing and computers.  I encourage people to take advantage of this opportunity to save some money while also preparing for the start of the new school year.”

The seventh annual sales tax holiday will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 3.  The holiday will continue through Sunday, August 5.  A comprehensive list is attached detailing the items covered by the holiday.

Alabama’s sales tax holiday provision also allows cities and counties to join the state by removing their own local sales and use taxes from back-to-school-related items during the same weekend.  More than 250 local governments across the state are participating.  A list of participating municipalities can be found on the Alabama Department of Revenue’s website – www.revenue.alabama.gov.

“The Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday helps both families and our business community alike,” Alabama Revenue Commissioner Julie P. Magee said.  “The holiday brings more people out shopping to take advantage of tax-free items and sales offered by retailers.  It has become a much-anticipated event.  We encourage everyone to take advantage of the holiday and support our local business communities.”

Alabama Retail Association President Rick Brown added that stores across the state see an influx of shoppers during the sales tax-free weekend.  Store owners see the weekend as a major boost for their businesses.

“Consumers continue to need savings and an incentive to spend.  Alabama’s sales tax holiday gives them both.  This weekend truly is a win-win for everyone involved,” Brown said.

Click here to view the items list.