Albany, N.Y. – State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has announced clothing and footwear items sold for less than $55 will once again be exempt from the four percent State sales tax starting this Friday. The sales tax exemption for clothing and footwear items will increase from $55 to $110 next year on April 1, 2012.
“Over the past two years, the Democrat-controlled State Legislature enacted or increased over 100 taxes and fees – at a cost of $14 billion per year to taxpayers. The 2010 State budget eliminated the exemption of the four percent State sales tax on clothing and footwear. The loss of the sales tax exemption forced taxpayers to pay an additional $330 million per year. Reinstating the State sales tax exemption on clothing and shoes will relieve the tax burden on New Yorkers and especially help middle-class families save a few extra dollars when shopping for clothing,” said Ranzenhofer.
The total sales tax on clothing and footwear items less than $55 will be 4 ¾ percent in Erie county and four percent in Genesee county. The 2010-11 State budget eliminated the sales tax exemption on clothing and footwear purchases. Senator Ranzenhofer voted against the measure. The sales tax increase took effect on October 1, 2010.
The 61st District includes part of the city of Tonawanda, the Towns of Amherst, Clarence, Newstead and Tonawanda in Erie county and all of Genesee county.
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