More Tips to Save Money During the Tax Holiday

Carrying a list and researching stores is the best way to save more money during the back-to-school sales tax holiday that runs from Friday to Sunday.

The Better Business Bureau of St. Louis (BBB), a nonprofit organization, said in a press release that customers should remember the items eligible for the 4.225 Missouri sales tax exemption prior to shopping this weekend.

Arnold is one of the Jefferson County cities that will participate in the sales tax exemption.

School items eligible for the exemption are:

• Clothing: any article having a taxable value of $100 or less
• School supplies, not to exceed $50 per purchase
• Computer software with a taxable value of $350 or less
• Personal computers valued at $3,500 or less
• Computer peripherals valued at $3,500 or less

A full list of eligible and ineligible items is available at the Department of Revenue website.

“As with any sale, it’s best to buy only the items you need,” the BBB said in a news release.

Schools provide lists of items needed in the coming year school, the BBB said. The lists are posted on the school websites or sent to parents prior to the start of the term.

“Having a checklist with you when you shop helps you be sure you get what you need and no more,” the BBB said.

The sales tax holiday applies to purchases items for personal use regardless of their use for school, the nonprofit said in its release.

People who buy computers, for example, for their businesses are not eligible for this weekend’s sales tax exemption, the BBB said in its release.

“Teachers may buy items for their classrooms without paying the tax if they are using their own funds” the BBB said while citing the Missouri Department of Revenue website.

Online back-to-school purchases are also eligible for the sales tax holiday as long as payment occurs this weekend, the non-profit said.

People who want more information about retailers' background should visit bbb.org or call 314-645-3300.