Despite the continued high temperatures, summer is flying by and the school year is right around the corner. Starting the new school year can be a time of great excitement – and cost. The state of Oklahoma is offering a tax-free weekend event this coming weekend, August 3rd through the 5th. It applies to clothing and shoes and is intended to coincide with back-to-school shopping.  The weekend allows many parents to stock up on kids’ clothing and footwear. 

Oklahoma has enjoyed an annual tax-free holiday since 2007, when the Oklahoma Legislature passed Senate Bill 861 to benefit both consumers and retailers in the state by providing sales tax exempt shopping. This assists businesses by providing a boost in the economy and consumers by allowing them to save money.

Qualifying shoes and clothing will be exempt from state, county, city and local sales tax starting at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 3 until midnight on Sunday, August 5. You can purchase an unlimited number of qualifying tax-free items during this time. To qualify, the sale price of individual items must be less than $100.

Although the holiday is timed to assist with back to school shopping, anyone may purchase qualifying items tax-free. The discount does not apply to the sale of any accessories, special clothing or footwear primarily designed for athletic activity or protective use that is not normally worn except when used for athletic activity or protective use.

While you’re taking advantage of the sales tax holiday, please remember to shop local! Support your local community, and look for the Chamber logo while shopping. Jill Beane Johns, owner of Beane Western Wear said, “I believe Tax Free Weekend is a great benefit for the community. Having a small business, it really is nice to have the increase in sales that weekend. Anything that keeps money local is a benefit to Ardmore. In addition to end of summer and back to school sales, it really gives the customer greater savings and makes their dollar stretch further.”

Remember that many businesses who do not necessarily fall under the state required exemption list are also running concurrent sales and discounts. Check the Chamber Facebook page for a list of members who are participating! Also visit chamber.ardmore.org for more information and a list of Oklahoma sales tax holiday frequently asked questions.