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CROTON-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. New York State Assembly member Sandy Galef (D-Ossining) took advantage of the 4 percent sales tax exemption on all footwear and clothing by shopping with her granddaughter Sarah at Crotons Groovy on Grand over the weekend.
This exemption was enacted to give assistance to local, hardworking families by eliminating the sales tax for clothing and footwear purchases under $110. We must encourage New Yorkers to support local businesses, and this incentive will hopefully create a boost in sales, said Galef.
Shopper still pay the 3.375 percent local sales tax, .375 of which benefits the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District.
The tax exemption is projected to save New Yorkers $200 million in 2012. Aside from getting New Yorkers into stores, the legislature is hoping to draw out-of-state shoppers to New York businesses.
The measure doubles the price of items covered in last years clothing exemption, which gave a 4 percent sales tax break for clothing and footwear to $55.
Hobbyists will be happy to learn the exemption also applies to most fabric, thread, yarn, buttons, hooks, zippers, and similar items used to create or repair the type of clothing now exempt, according to the New York State Department of Tax and Finance.
"Jewelry, watches, and like items remain taxable; the same is true for equipment such as tool belts, hard hats, and for sport, bicycle and motorcycle helmets," says the NYSDTF's website.
The exemption does not have a sunset date, said Galef. Its in our budget for the whole year. I think it should continue indefinitely.
Galef said her granddaughter purchased the outfit in the window of Groovy on Grand, white shorts, a lime green top and a black knit vest. When we got there, we looked over a whole bunch of things. We tried on a whole bunch of things, but thats what she really wanted, said Galef.
Groovy on Grand is located at 119 Grand St., Croton-on-Hudson. It is closed Monday, and open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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