Sales-tax-free weekend on tap for Georgia families

Students and families across Middle Georgia can save a few bucks just in time for the start of school during this weekend’s tax-free holiday.

This weekend, shoppers can get many school-related items — including supplies, clothing and computer technology — and avoid paying sales taxes.

“The back-to-school tax-free holiday allows Georgia’s families and students to save money on crucial school items, clothing and technology during a time of year when household expenses add up quickly,” Gov. Nathan Deal said in a release.

The Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget estimates that the sales-tax-free weekend will save Georgians about $75 million.

Tax-free items include:

▪ Clothing with a sales price of $100 or less per item;

▪ Computers, computer components and prewritten software purchased for home or personal use with a sales price of $1,000 or less per item; and

▪ School supplies purchased for noncommercial use with a sales price of $20 or less per item.

Several stores in the Macon area are offering their own deals to take advantage of the expected traffic.

The Target store on Presidential Parkway is promoting up to 15 percent off school supplies, up to 25 percent off school uniforms and up to 20 percent off back-to-college items, including curtains, desks and wall decorations.

Kohl’s on Zebulon Road is holding a Best Friends and Family promotion. All purchases gain an additional 20 percent off, including items not exempt for the tax-free holiday.

Quality Computer Systems on Riverside Drive is holding its biggest sale of the year beginning Friday, due to its being closed Sunday, when tax-free weekend ends. (Sales on Friday will not be tax exempt, though.)

The computer store is offering refurbished laptops at 30 percent off, antivirus software 50 percent off and double the RAM for free on desktops. There will also be items such as laptop bags, printers and hard drives on sale as well, store manager Brad Spiegel said.

“Technology helps (students) level the playing field so that all kids start off at the same place,” he said.

For a full list of tax-exempt items visit http://bit.ly/28ZTYZG.

This story was originally published July 29, 2016 at 12:47 PM with the headline "Sales-tax-free weekend on tap for Georgia families."