Annual event moves to 3rd weekend in July

Story by Tori Bedsole

Local businesses are gearing up for the “Back to School” sales tax holiday weekend.

For the first time, Alabama has set the date for the tax-free weekend as the third weekend in July. It has typically been held on the first weekend in August.

The sales tax holiday will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Fri., July 21, and end at midnight on Sun., July 23.

During the holiday weekend, state sales tax will be waived on select items but Escambia County sales tax will still be enforced.

Businesses will charge 2 percent sales tax for Escambia County.

The “back to school” sales tax holiday gives parents the opportunity to purchase items such as school supplies, clothing and computers without paying state sales tax.

Each county and locality has the option to waive the sales tax.

Brewton and Flomaton will participate in the holiday, but East Brewton and Riverview will not. At the time of publication, Atmore had not filed paperwork as to whether it would participate.