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August 2, 2010

Oklahomans save during sales tax holiday

Gov. Brad Henry

OKLAHOMA CITY — Across Oklahoma,

students, parents and teachers are getting ready for the start of the school year. For many parents, that means trying to stretch every dollar as far as possible while in these challenging economic times. That’s a difficult chore, and the cost of school supplies and

clothing can be daunting for many families.

Fortunately, Oklahoma’s annual Sales Tax Holiday is just around the corner. I’m proud that, in 2007, I signed legislation setting aside one weekend in August

offering Oklahomans a break from the sales

tax on certain items.

From Friday, Aug. 6 to Sunday, Aug. 8, state, county and municipal sales taxes are waived on shoes and most articles of clothing that cost up to $100. This year will be Oklahoma’s fourth sales holiday, and it gets better every year as retailers often offer discounts and specials beyond the break on sales tax.

You don’t even need to be in school or have school-age children—the Oklahoma Sales Tax Holiday is for everyone.

Our state’s sales tax holiday was implemented after several years of watching Oklahoma shoppers flock to Texas to take advantage of a similar program there. Now Oklahomans can stay closer to home and support local businesses in their communities.

That makes the Sales Tax Holiday a win-win for Oklahomans:  families and individuals get a deal on back-to-school clothing while creating jobs and helping Oklahoma retailers.

Last year, Oklahomans saved $6.8 million during the Sales Tax Holiday, and this year could be even bigger as more families look for savings.

I hope every Oklahoman takes

advantage of this great opportunity to save money, help local businesses and get ready for the start of a new school year.

If you have questions or comments, please write me at the Office of the Governor, Room 212, Oklahoma City OK 73105 or visit the "Contact the Governor" section of my website, www.governor.ok.gov.

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