NM tax-free weekend on Aug. 2-4
Azure Michell /News-Sun
Back-to-school shopping is all the buzz with tax-free weekend’s upcoming arrival. At 12:01 a.m. Aug. 2, shops will welcome customers looking to score items free of tax. This event will end on the following Sunday, Aug. 4.
Tax-free weekend is placed on select items, such as, clothing or shoes less than $100, electronics sold for no more than $1000, and standard school supplies.
When it comes to electronics there are certain items that remain to have taxes applied, such as watches, radios, compact disc players, headphones, and other specific items listed by the N.M. Taxation and revenue Department.
The goal for this event is shopping for tax free items, so being weary of what you purchase is critical to making a good deal.
Some objects still being taxed during this time are all kinds of games (board and electronic), musical instruments, luggage, and all computer software not bundled with the purchased item.
With shopping being the sport for the sales tax holiday, supporting local businesses is highly recommended by officials and many shop owners in town.
Jennifer Grassham, the president and CEO of Economic Development Corporation of Lea Country (EDC), is a firm believer of keeping money local.
“We certainly all win when we shop local,” Grassham stated in an email.
Grassham discussed the benefits of making local retail purchases, stating it’s what funds the roads, first responders, and other critical community infrastructure.
“Shopping local is critical to the Lea County economy,” Grassham wrote.
“When we shop local, we support the businesses that have taken a risk and purchased inventory to be ready to meet our needs,” Grassham said.
Patty Collins, the president and CEO at Hobbs Chamber of Commerce, said shopping at corporate owned establishments in town like Bealls or JCPenney also benefits our community since they pay taxes towards the county.
“By shopping local,” Collins stated, “we’re not only helping the small businesses but we’re also helping all the employees.”
Retailers around Hobbs like Southern Honey, Dani Kai boutique, and Martin Boot Co. encourage those who shop during this time to check out what local shops can provide for them before leaving for cities nearby.
“It keeps our doors open, you know,” Sage Abel, who works at Southern Honey said. “It’s really important to pay attention to the smaller businesses.”
Dani Kai Boutique owner, Kassandra Knighton, announced the business will be having a sale during the tax-free weekend. With two kids of her own, she claimed she certainly understands the importance of shopping for back-to-school.
“We like to do discounts to help because we know it costs a million dollars for kids in school,” Knighton said.
Martin Boot Co. will also be hosting a sale during the tax-free weekend. Danielle Martin, buyer for the company said they’re planning a large parking lot sale.
“It’ll be deep discounts as well as the tax-free sales,” Martin stated.
For those in Texas, its tax-free weekend is Aug. 9-11. According to the Texas Comptroller, items tax-free are most clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks all less than $100.
“This year’s tax-free weekend provides an opportunity to make your dollar stretch further when making those back-to-school purchases,” Grassham added
