2009.07.29
Tax-free electronics and more
Wal-Mart says it will absorb the sales tax on all electronics, photography and wireless products, with no price limit, during Virginia's sales tax holiday on Aug. 7-9. That means that you won't have to pay the 5 percent sales tax on computers, cameras and other related products at Wal-Mart stores during this upcoming weekend.
For these three days, certain school supplies and clothing purchases will be exempt of the state's 5 percent sales tax. But retailers can decide to make additional store items tax free during the weekend and absorb the sales tax themselves. Look out for more retailers that may choose to slash the 5 percent tax on select purchases.
Here are more details about this upcoming tax holiday, timed to the back-to-school season.
Wal-Mart also says that it will recognize teachers on Aug. 7, from 8 a.m. to noon, with a special "teacher appreciation" checkout lane in its stores. In a news release, Wal-Mart says that teachers spend an average of $659 of their own money each year on school supplies, citing www.CharityGuide.org.
Finally, if you're a Roanoke or New River Valley resident who is planning to shop for school supplies during the Aug. 7-9 tax holiday, send me an e-mail. I'm seeking people to interview for a story about the tax-free savings.
