Press Release

For Immediate Release
August 3, 2005
Contact: Jessica Robinson (Blunt)
(573) 751-0290
Barry Bennett
(573)751-6819

Blunt, Kinder Encourage Missourians to take Advantage of Sales Tax Holiday

JEFFERSON CITY, MO — Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder encouraged back-to-school shoppers to take advantage of the state's sales tax holiday set for Friday, Aug. 5 through Sunday, Aug. 7.

At separate locations in Missouri, Blunt and Kinder said working Missouri families will benefit tremendously from this recent change in state law as will local communities who should see an influx in shoppers looking for items and services beyond those exempted from the sales tax.

"The sales tax holiday will reduce costs for parents sending their children back to school," Blunt said. "I commend those that are participating this year providing much relief to Missouri families."

"The sales tax holiday is a simple, yet effective, way to help taxpaying families" said Kinder. He added, "I championed this idea for the past five years and last year's successful sales tax holiday proved that consumers like the idea of lower taxes. Missouri businesses now have another tool to increase overall sales that will more than make up for any lost tax revenue."

The sales tax exemption applies to:

• Clothing-any article having a taxable value of $100 or less
• School supplies-not to exceed $50 per purchase
• Computer software-taxable value of $350 or less per purchase; and
• Personal computers and computer peripheral devices-not to exceed $3,500

Certain clothing, school supplies, personal computers, and software will be exempt from state sales tax during the holiday. In areas where local jurisdictions are not participating in the holiday, state sales tax will be exempt and only the local tax will apply.

A list of cities and counties who are not participating is available online. Visit www.dor.mo.gov/tax/business/sales/taxholiday/