Deal Signs Bill Extending Tax-Free Weekends

Georgians will get two tax-free shopping weekends again this year.

Gov. Nathan Deal has signed House Bill 958, legislation that will extend the statewide back-to-school tax-free holiday and  the ENERGY STAR and WaterSense appliance tax-free holiday weekends for an additional two years.

The bill, signed during visits to the Georgia Institute of Technology and the Atlanta Food Bank, is a direct result of the Governor’s Competitiveness Initiative and is a continuation of the Georgia Jobs and Family Tax Reform Plan originally signed into law in 2012.

In signing the bill Monday, Deal said the tax reform package makes Georgia a better place to work and raise a family.

The two-day back-to-school holiday takes place this year on Aug. 1-2, and is expected to save Georgians up to $143 million.

The energy efficient household appliance tax holiday, taking place this year on Oct. 3-5 and is expected to save taxpayers $2.6 million.

The bill also provides a new sales tax exemption for Georgia’s food banks, an initiative that will help sustain charitable service across the state, saving an estimated $2.5 million over two years.

In addition, HB 958 extends the tax credit for video game production companies and provides an extension of the project of regional significance sales tax exemption.