Some retailers confused as Georgia prepares for tax-free weekend

Posted 4:34PM on Thursday 28th March 2002 ( 23 years ago )

SAVANNAH - Jeneva Blake knows she won't charge sales tax this weekend on women's dresses and pantsuits. But what about the feather-fringed nighties in her mall store's display window? Blake is the manager of Beautiful Legs Hosiery and Lingerie. She said -- quote -- ``I'm not exactly sure, I haven't gotten a clarification on what lingerie is. Is it clothing?'' Georgia's first sales tax holiday, pushed through the Legislature by Governor Barnes, sounds simple -- tomorrow and Saturday, consumers buying clothes, computers and school supplies won't pay sales taxes. But the details can be confusing. The tax exemption applies only to clothing items under 100 dollars. Computer modems, printers and some software are exempt, but only if you buy a computer. The state Department of Revenue has a lengthy list of what's tax-exempt and what isn't. Accessories like jewelry and handbags will still be taxed. Lingerie and garter belts will be tax-free. The tax break covers scarves, but handkerchiefs are taxable. Running shoes won't be taxed; golf shoes will be. Wordprocessing and tax software may be exempt, but videogames aren't. Amy Schultz of Midway, who was shopping at the Savannah Mall with her two young children, said -- quote -- ``I think it should be everything -- just don't tax everything for two days. That would be great.'' Barnes, who toured the state today to promote the tax holiday, said he tried to strike a balance that would entice shoppers to spend while controlling lost sales tax revenues. This weekend's tax holiday, followed by another August second-and-third, will cost the state an estimated eleven (m) million dollars. Local governments will lose an additional six (m) million dollars to eight (m) million dollars in local sales taxes.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/3/196785