By Andy Ostmeyer
aostmeyer@joplinglobe.com
Back-to-school shoppers could save money by waiting a few more weeks.
That's because Missouri has set Friday, Aug. 4, through Sunday, Aug. 6, as the time for its third sales-tax holiday, when certain clothing items, school supplies, computers and software are exempt from state sales taxes.
Several area communities and counties, such as Webb City, join in, waiving local taxes during that weekend. Other counties and communities, however, have opted not to participate, including Jasper County.
Chance Morgan, city administrator for Webb City, said the city will not charge its normal combined 1 7/8-cent sales tax on that weekend.
"We're regularly asking for something from the taxpayers. This time we're able to give a little back," Morgan said.
It doesn't hurt that Webb City is surrounded by other communities that have elected not to participate, such as Joplin, Carl Junction and Carthage.
"Instead of going to Joplin they might go to Webb City," Morgan added.
But he said that's not the main reason for joining in on the holiday, and added that it might not make any dramatic difference to the city's revenue if it opted out.
Chuck Surface, presiding Jasper County commissioner, believes the impact would be noticeable if the county went along with the holiday plan.
"We live or die with sales taxes here," he said. "We still think it is a heck of an offer because you are dropping the Missouri sales tax of 4.225 cents. The big advantage is the state of Missouri is out. The state of Missouri has ways to get around not having enough money. We don't."
Total sales taxes for Jasper County come to nearly 1 cent for every $1.
Studies back up each side's positions.
An analysis by the Missouri Association of Counties following the state's first sales tax holiday in 2004 found that state, county and local governments lost $18.5 million in potential sales tax revenue. However, a study done that same year by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce concluded that tax levels remained consistent for the third-quarter of the year despite the sales tax holiday. It also found that cities that fully participated in the holiday saw a greater increase in sales than cities that opted out.
Under Missouri law, the sales tax exemption:
Applies to articles of clothing with a taxable value of $100 or less, but does not include watches, watchbands, handbags, scarves, ties and jewelry.
Applies to laptops as well as desktops, not to exceed $3,500.
Is limited to $50 per purchase for school supplies and to $350 for computer software.
Andy Ostmeyer is the assistant metro editor for The Joplin Globe.
Opting out
Area cities that are not participating this year in the sales tax holiday are: Aurora, Carl Junction, Carthage, Cassville, Granby, Jane, Joplin, Liberal, Mount Vernon, Neosho, Noel, Seligman and Washburn.
Area counties that are not participating this year are: Barry, Dade, Jasper, Lawrence, Newton and Vernon.
Source: Missouri Department of Revenue
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