BREDESEN REMINDS TENNESSEANS OF FIRST SALES TAX HOLIDAY

THIS WEEKEND'S HOLIDAY ALLOWS FAMILIES TO SAVE ON BACK-TO-SCHOOL
CLOTHING AND SUPPLIES

"This weekend's first-ever sales tax holiday in Tennessee is the realization of one of the goals I set when I first took office," Bredesen said. "The sales tax holiday underscores my commitment to education. The three-day holiday will provide tax savings for Tennessee's working families as they prepare for the school year ahead."

During this designated three-day weekend of the sales tax holiday, consumers may purchase selected clothing, school supplies and computers without paying Tennessee's state and local sales tax on the items. The holiday also includes purchases of qualified items sold via mail, telephone, e-mail, or Internet if the customer orders and pays for the item and the retailer accepts the order during the exemption period for immediate shipment, even if delivery is made after the exemption period.

Details about the state's new sales tax holiday are available at a dedicated Web site, www.tntaxholiday.com. The Tennessee Department of Revenue also offers assistance to consumers via e-mail, Salestax.holiday@state.tn.us, and through its toll-free statewide telephone hot line, (800) 342-1003. Out-of-state callers should dial (615) 253-0600. Revenue will provide consumers its call-center services throughout the three-day weekend, including extended hours on Saturday and Sunday.

Statewide Toll-free Hot Line: (800) 342-1003 [Out-of-state calls: (615) 253-0600]

Saturday, Aug. 5 - 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST
Sunday, Aug. 6 - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST

During Tennessee's holiday, the following items are exempt from sales and use tax:

• Clothing with a price of $100 or less per item
• School supplies with a price of $100 or less per item
• Computers with a price of $1,500 or less per item

The Department of Revenue is responsible for the administration of state tax laws and motor vehicle title and registration laws established by the legislature and the collection of taxes and fees associated with those laws. The Department of Revenue collects approximately 92 percent of total state tax revenue. During the 2005-2006 fiscal year, the department collected $10.3 billion in state taxes and fees. In addition to collecting state taxes, $1.8 billion of local sales tax was collected by the department for local governments during the 2005-2006 fiscal year. Besides collecting taxes, the department enforces the revenue laws fairly and impartially in an effort to encourage voluntary taxpayer compliance. The department also apportions revenue collections for distribution to the various state funds and local units of government. To learn more about the department, log on to www.Tennessee.gov/revenue.

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