Shop tax free this weekend

Tennessee?s first sales tax holiday last August saved consumers an estimated $15 million over three days.

With back-to-school shopping not such a focus in April, this weekend?s sales tax holiday isn?t expected to create such a stir. But it?s still a way for shoppers to save 9.75 percent on a variety of items they purchase in Warren County from blue jeans to laptop computers.

?I?m so pleased the General Assembly seized the opportunity to act in the interest of Tennessee families by granting a second sales tax holiday in 2007,? said Gov. Phil Bredesen. ?As a result of common-sense budgeting, this and other sales tax holidays in the future will be possible.?

Clothing and school supplies $100 and under are exempt from sales tax during the holiday. That includes backpacks, crayons, highlighters, legal pads, pencils, scissors, boots, coats, pajamas, shirts, shoes, pants and ties.

Computers and computer supplies costing $1,500 and under are also exempt. That includes hardware, a mouse, keyboards, cables and monitors.

Everyone, not just students, can benefit from the sales tax holiday. The holiday starts at 12:01 a.m. this Friday, April 27 and ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, April 29.