Shoppers Prepare For Tax-Free Holiday

For the second consecutive year, back-to-school shoppers in Oklahoma will be able to stock up on school clothing without paying sales taxes.

City, county and state sales taxes will be suspended next weekend during the state's annual sales tax holiday, scheduled from 12:01 a.m. on August 1 through midnight August 3.

Last year shoppers saved $6.4 million, according to figures provided by the Oklahoma Tax Commission. Shoppers are expected to save up to $6.6 million during this year's holiday.

Oklahoma City shopper Kim Scott said she looks forward to the tax free weekend.

"I am shopping for six, so a tax free weekend really helps," she said. "I used to go to Texas to do it but I am glad to see it here in Oklahoma now.

Starting at 12:01 a.m. Friday shoppers will have three days to purchase clothing items without sales tax on individual items costing less than $100.

State officials said despite the tax cut, the state tax revenues jumped more than $4 million last August.

"The legislature thought it would help the economy and help the individuals, so they did pass that last year," said Paula Ross with the Oklahoma Tax Commission. "They estimate they will save $6.6 million on this sales tax holiday."

This weekend you can save as stores in Oklahoma will be selling clothes and shoes tax-free. The savings start Friday morning and end Sunday night at midnight.