By: Morgan Reitzel, Follow South Jersey Intern
SOUTH JERSEY – All shoppers in New Jersey are entitled to tax-free school supplies from Aug. 27 through Sept. 5 to allow people to get the supplies they need for the upcoming school year.
Back to school shopping can be a hassle and can give anyone a headache. Looking at that long list of school supplies sent into a parent’s email box towards the end of summer can be a nightmare. This tax-free holiday can make it a little bit easier to handle.
The tax holiday does not only apply to students and teachers; it applies to anyone that needs a break from New Jersey’s 6.625% sales tax. This can include writing materials, art material, instructional materials, computers and computer equipment.
“Back-to-school shopping can be stressful on its own, but it can be even more stressful for those parents, students, and teachers who are struggling to make ends meet,” said Governor Murphy. “As inflation remains a central worry, this sales tax holiday is one of the ways in which we are prioritizing affordability for our families. This holiday will cut the cost for the most essential items needed for educational success and help make New Jersey more affordable.”
Since last year’s surplus tax revenue was overflowing with billions of dollars, the Democratic leaders thought that the taxed free holiday for school supplies would be a great way to ease the burden of rising costs after the annual rate of inflation in the U.S. hit a new 40-year high.
The holiday may seem like a lot for New Jersey residents, it is actually $75 million in lost tax revenue that was not included in the state budget before.
The average New Jersey family is expected to save about $30-$50 on school supplies for the 2023-2024 school year.
Nevertheless, some people aren’t so happy about the tax-free holiday. Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio called the move an “underwhelming gimmick” when it was announced in June.
“How tone deaf are they? When you can’t afford living in New Jersey, this short holiday on notebooks and pencils is meaningless,” DiMaio stated.
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