Tax-free back to school weekend

With back to school comes the annual tax-free weekend in New Mexico.

Some retailers are also offering discounts to help parents navigate the financial burden of getting kids ready for the school year.

This year the state’s tax-free weekend starts a little bit early because some school districts, including Las Cruces Public Schools, begins in late July. The tax-free status starts July 25 and runs through July 27. It will apply to clothing purchased for less than $100; for computers purchased for under $1,000; for computer accessories purchased for under $500 and for school supplies.

Bobbi Marquez, acting director of communications for New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, told the Bulletin that the deduction became a law in 2005.

Marquez pointed out that not just families with school children are able to benefit from the tax-free status this weekend.

“Although historically, it has been marketed as a back-to-school tax free holiday, anyone that is making qualifying purchases in New Mexico would benefit,” she said.

The tax-free weekend cost the state of New Mexico an estimated $461,000 last year and local municipalities an estimated $295,000 according to a report by the New Mexico Tax and Revenue Department.

New Mexico’s tax-free weekend is really a Gross Receipts Tax-free weekend. GRT isn’t exactly a sales tax, but it is generally thought of that way.

“This tax-free weekend helps New Mexico families better afford essentials that children need to return to the classroom each fall. By removing the gross receipts tax on clothing, electronics, and school supplies, families can stretch their dollars a little further,” Marquez said.

Store discounts

Several big box retailers, such as Walmart and Target, are offering multiple discount offers. Staples offers back-to-school discounts on its store application. Michael’s, the art supply and frame retailer, offers back-to-school discounts for teachers if they are a part of Michael’s reward program.

Some locally-owned stores also offer back-to-school discounts. Alpha Tools, which provides teacher supplies, offers 20% off. Mas Art offers student discounts of 10%.

Co-owner of Mas Art, Curtis Bristol, said he sees more students from New Mexico State University come into his store than public school students. But the Las Cruces High School graduate said he and his wife, co-owner Tiffany Bristol, try to support local teachers.

Bristol said Mas Art provides scrap mats for teachers to use in class.

“If they let us know they work with children, we do want to support them,” Bristol said.