Wisconsin's first ever sales tax holiday begins Wednesday, Aug. 1 and runs through the weekend. While it's targeted for back to school shopping, you don't have to be a student to get a great deal.
During this time, consumers will not be charged state and local sales tax on a variety of items including clothing, computers and school supplies.
Some of the lesser known items included in the holiday that will be exempt from the state's five percent sales tax over the five day period include:
- Diapers
- Baby clothes
- Bathing suits
- Costumes
- Formal wear
- Steel toed shoes
- Wedding apparel
- Neckties
- Printer ink
- Tablets
- Lunch boxes
All individual clothing and school supply items must cost $75 or less. Computers and tablets must cost $750 or less and computer supplies must be priced at $250 or less.
"I think a lot of customers are unaware," said Meijer Store Director Michael Evert. "You can come in as many times as you want by Aug. 5."
Evert says they are adding extra staff to their stores for the weekend and staff will be able to answer any questions about what's included and what's not.
He also said the tax exemption will apply to clearance items as well.
"They need everything, the lists are long," said Lisa Morgan, a mother of two boys whose getting ready for back to school shopping. "Kind of scoping out, bring the kids with so they can pick out everything."
Gov. Scott Walker established the holiday as part of a tax package, that included that included a $100 per child tax rebate.
Online orders shipped to Wisconsin addresses will also receive the tax exemption on qualifying items.
The exemption applies to each item and not the total bill.
Items like jewelry and sports equipment are not included in the tax exemption. For a full list, visit the Department of Revenue site here.
