Sales tax free

Just in time for the back-to-school buying season, the Louisiana Department of Revenue announced the first two days in August will be a Louisiana Sales Tax Holiday.

A Department press release said the holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday and concludes Saturday night/Sunday morning at midnight.

“During the holiday, the first $2,500 of most tangible property items for non-business use will be exempt from the four percent statewide sales tax,” said Byron Henderson, press secretary for the Department. “All Louisiana dealers are required to participate in the sales tax holiday and allow the state sales tax exemption on eligible sales made during the holiday period.”

New Iberia Kmart store manager Herman Polk said the holiday always brings a substantial number of people into the store.

“We have a lot of people coming in shopping for back-to-school items,” he said. “It’s the perfect time for savings on those items.”

Offering a different perspective on the sales tax holiday, Mark Gullotta of Gullotta’s in New Iberia said customers should think about whether a 4 percent savings is worth the hectic shopping experience.

“To put it in perspective, if a customer spends $200 on school uniforms during the holiday, they will save $8,” he said. “They have to consider if that savings is really worth the parking obstacles, congestion in the store and over-extended sales staff.”

He said if the holiday were something the Department of Revenue would spread out over a week, it would make a much better shopping experience for the customer.

For Teche Area residents who choose to brave the crowds and take advantage of the four percent savings, the Department of Revenue said certain qualifications must be met to receive the tax exemption:

• The customer buys and accepts delivery of eligible property during the holiday period.

• The customer places property on layaway during the holiday period.

• The customer purchases property that was previously placed on layaway during the holiday period.

• The customer places an order for immediate delivery during the holiday period, even if delivery is delayed until after the holiday period, provided the customer has not requested delayed shipment.