State Sales Tax Exemption is Welcome Relief for WNY Families | Business

During these tough economic times, hardworking Western New York families need all the help they can get. That’s why, for the second consecutive year, New York
will be providing cash-strapped families and clothing retailers some much-needed relief at the register. Beginning April 1, clothing, footwear and related items sold for under
$110 each will be exempt from the state’s 4 percent sales tax.

The tax-free status applies to all relevant items bought on or after the April 1 start date, whether purchases are made in person, over the Internet, by phone or by mail. Since
last year, the exemption has doubled, helping our families afford necessities like clothing
and shoes, while still being able to pay their monthly bills.

This break can’t come soon enough for families struggling to make ends meet,
and the exemption is also good news for local businesses. With the sales tax exemption
saving taxpayers $210 million, it will help provide consumers with more of an incentive
to get back into stores, reenergizing Western New York’s economy. This break will also
attract shoppers from out of state, helping boost business and strengthen economic
growth in our communities at a time when we need it most.

Through this sales tax break, we are moving in the right direction to get working
families back on their feet and strengthen our economic recovery. It’s critical that we
continue to build on this success, making Western New York a better place to live and do
business. I’ll continue working to ease the financial burden on our families and local
businesses, so we can get our region on track toward success.

For more information on the sales tax exemption, visit the New York State
Department of Taxation and Finance website at www.tax.ny.gov. In addition, if you have
any questions about this or any other community issue, feel free to contact me at 686-
0080 or email me at gabryszakd@assembly.state.ny.us.