ATLANTA - Shoppers in Georgia are getting ready for this year's four-day sales tax holiday, which starts Thursday.<br>
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The holiday is meant to give people a break from sales taxes and stimulate them to shop in the days before the school year starts.<br>
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"We're getting ready for a big, big, big weekend," said Kimberly Baker, store manager at Goodys Clothing in Rome.<br>
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This year's holiday will be a bit different than last year's.<br>
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Last year, the tax-free event was broken up into two two-day holidays, instead of one four-day holiday.<br>
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And this time, South Carolina is having its own sales tax holiday from Friday through Sunday, but that gives Georgia a one-day head start.<br>
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And most importantly for shoppers, more stuff won't be taxed this time around _ computer upgrades and accessories, uniforms, shoes, school supplies and some clothing.<br>
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The state government estimates it will take in $14 to $16 million less during the holiday. Thats an increase from the estimated $11 to $14 million taxpayers saved in 2002.<br>
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But University of Georgia economist Jeffrey Humphreys said the tax holiday won't stimulate the economy.<br>
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"Shoppers will just shift planned purchases to the tax-exempt days instead of buying more products," Humphreys said.<br>
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"People aren't stupid, they know the holiday is coming up so they hold off purchases that are covered by the exemption," he said. "It's an alteration of timing in purchase."<br>
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"The state will probably make up the difference in the long run by levying higher property taxes," he said.
