By Alison James

alison.james@fct.wpengine.com

Alabama’s Back to School Sales Tax Holiday will be observed from 12:01 a.m.  Aug. 7 through midnight Aug. 9.

This holiday waives the 4 percent state tax on a number of items commonly needed as children return to school. This tax holiday is applicable statewide, however, not just for students or items purchased for students.

State tax is waived on the following items: clothing (including shoes) priced at $100 or less; school supplies valued at $50 or less; books that cost $30 or less and textbooks that cost $50 or less; and computers and equipment (including printer paper and ink) priced at $750 or less.

Franklin County and local municipalities will also waive the sales tax.

“Back to school time brings added expenses to our families,” said Russellville Mayor David Grissom. “Participating in the sales tax holiday is something the city council felt could be beneficial to our families. We’re glad to participate and help people.”

The holiday means the total 9 percent sales tax in Russellville will be waived. That’s 8 percent in Phil Campbell; 8.5 percent in Red Bay; and 8 percent in Vina.

According to Alabama Retail, the average family with school-aged children in the South is expected to spend $627.01 on back-to-school items this year.

A number of items are excluded from the sales tax holiday, including jewelry, hair accessories, costume masks, roller skates, goggles, life preservers and magazines. For a more complete list, view the Quick Reference Sheet at www.revenue.alabama.gov/salestax/SalesTaxHol.cfm.