KELLNER ON SALES TAX EXEMPTION

State Sales Tax Exemption on Clothing and Footwear

For the second consecutive year, New York State has provided consumers and businesses welcome relief at the cash register. Since April 1st, clothing, footwear and related items sold at or below $110 each are exempt from the state's four percent sales tax.

The tax-free offer - which I helped pass into law - applies to all relevant items purchased in person, over the Internet, by phone or by mail. The qualifying amount for the exemption has doubled since last year.

This tax exemption is good news for hardworking families and local businesses - and it cannot come at a better time. While the economy is slowly regaining its strength, working and middle-class families are still getting back on their feet. The sales tax cut, which will save taxpayers $210 million, will provide much-needed help with everyday expenses.

The exemption will help working families afford necessities, as well as energize our local economy by giving consumers more incentive to shop. It will also provide businesses with an influx of customers, including shoppers from neighboring states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

We are taking a step in the right direction with this measure, but there is plenty more work to be done. I will continue working to ease the financial burden on hardworking families and small businesses.