EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS: New York Sales Tax Exemption Under $110 Back For Good

If you went shopping on Sunday, you might have noticed a lack of tax charges on your receipt. That's because New York state finally reinstated the full sales tax exemption for apparel and footwear under $110. Shoppers might remember that this was a popular move that was first instituted in the 1990's.
And then it was suspended.
And then it came back for a few weeks a year.
And then it was gone again.
And then it was only for items under $55.

All very confusing, but as of this past Sunday all footwear and apparel items sold in New York City and much of the rest of the state will be tax exempt under $110. This might not mean so much if you do all your shopping at Barneys, but if you are more likely to buy at the Barneys Warehouse sale, it will mean a lot more –and stores like Uniqlo, Gap and H&M among others will now be able to sell most merchandise tax free.

How long it will last is anyone's guess. Over the past decade and a half, New York's Mayors and Governors have felt free to fiddle with sales tax to make up for budget shortfalls. They are, unfortunately, more likely to do so when things are tough rather than when they are good, but for now, consider it a good excuse to check out the new Zara on Fifth Avenue or hit up Uniqlo for a quick fix. That extra bit of savings is probably as good an excuse as any to get out there and shop.