Thompson files bill to include school supplies, athletic gear in tax-free weekend

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, filed legislation on Monday to include school supplies and athletic equipment among the items exempted from sales taxes during Oklahoma’s tax-free weekend in August.

Senate Bill 231 would exempt common school supplies — such as backpacks, binders, pens, pencils, markers and notebooks — from state and local sales taxes during the state’s annual sales tax holiday, the first weekend in August. Recreational equipment, including cleats, gloves, mouthguards, shoulder pads and goggles, would also be tax-exempt under this bill.

 “Expanding the items discounted during Oklahoma’s tax-free weekend is a common-sense way to give families additional tax relief while simultaneously boosting business at local retailers,” Thompson said. “Back-to-school shopping can add up, and many Oklahomans don’t realize that these classroom essentials aren’t already exempt from sales taxes during this key shopping weekend. This simple change will ease the financial burden on parents and ensure every child has the tools they need to excel in the classroom and on the field."

Currently, only clothes and shoes that cost less than $100 are exempt from sales taxes during Oklahoma’s tax-free weekend. However, this exemption does not include special clothing, footwear, or accessories primarily designed for athletic activities.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Kristen Thompson at 405-521-5592 or Kristen.Thompson@oksenate.gov.