ATLANTA — For the first time since 2009, Georgia is offering parents a tax holiday on back-to-school goods.
The state will temporarily suspend its collection of the sales tax on Aug. 10-11 for general school supplies, some clothing and computers and computer accessories.
The National Retail Federation tells the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that parents with school-age children are expected to spend an average of nearly $690 on back-to-school goods this year. That's up roughly $85 from last year's average.
Georgia started its tax holiday in 2002 under then-Gov. Roy Barnes. But state leaders ended the tax holiday as tax collections plunged during the last recession. The tax holiday was reinstated this year by Gov. Nathan Deal. Lawmakers said Georgia businesses were losing back-to-school sales to neighboring states with tax holidays.
___
Information from: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, http://www.ajc.com
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Aerials Show Path of Oklahoma Destruction
Raw: Widespread Destruction in Moore, Okla.
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
Raw: Japan's WWII Atrocities Under Fire in Seoul
Voters Could Elect LA's First Female Mayor
Raw: Rescuers Pull Tornado Survivors to Safety
Oklahoma Gov: 'Hearts Are Broken' After Tornado
Raw: Walking in a Flattened Okla. Neighborhood
Raw: Rescue Workers Search Oklahoma School
Raw: Witness Describes Scene After Okla. Tornado
