Tax free week in CT

ENFIELD, CT. (WWLP) - Here in Massachusetts you may have enjoyed some tax free purchases last weekend. But now it's Connecticut's turn. Sunday kicked off tax free week in our neighboring state.

Beginning Sunday and lasting until August 25th, Connecticut consumers can fill their shopping carts and sail through checkout without paying the state's 6.35 percent sales tax. One Massachusetts resident saw our story Sunday morning on 22News at 7, and hopped in the car to do some shopping. 

“I saw it on the news this morning, so I decided to come down. A lot of clothes and sneakers. Probably a couple pairs of pants and stuff like that,” said Louie Falton of Westfield.

Tax exempt purchases include articles of clothing and pairs of shoes that cost less than 300 dollars. The tax free week caters to families who are investing in new wardrobes for the new school year.

The National Retail Federation estimates parents of students in grades K-12 will spend an average of 688 dollars on back to school supplies. When spending that kind of money, every little bit you can save helps.

“I did not know it was tax free week here so that's a little added benefit. I came down with my daughter to get some shoes. Little kids, believe it or not they cost a lot of money. Every little bit will help,” said Joseph Calabrese of Wilbraham.

 “Shoes, socks, sweatshirts, jeans, all that stuff. Even just six percent. We're going to spend 5 or 600 dollars today probably. if I can keep, five, six and a quarter percent whatever it is. It's a big help,” said Bill Hauser of Southwick.

Before you kick yourself for missing out on the bargains, don't forget you have until Saturday. Connecticut will lose an estimated 7.5 million dollars in revenue over the tax free week, but retailers still hope for a boost in sales from Connecticut shoppers... and even their neighbors to the north.