When is Louisiana’s tax-free sales weekend for school supplies this year?

There won’t be one.

The state’s sales tax holidays were suspended in 2018 as part of a budget-balancing compromise between Gov. John Bel Edwards and the Republican leadership in the Legislature. The three sales tax holidays — for school supplies, hurricane preparation and gun purchases — were suspended until June 30, 2025, as part of the $0.45 sales tax signed into law that year.

There have been efforts to add those holidays back to the calendar in the years since the suspension went into effect. In 2019, there were multiple bills that aimed to bring back some or all of the holidays, including one that would consolidate the three holidays into one. None of the bills passed.

During a 2020 special session, the Legislature established a one-time sales tax holiday for Nov. 20-21 aimed at aiding residents recovering from Hurricanes Laura and Delta and the COVID-19 pandemic. That one-time holiday exempted the first $2,500 of most in-person, online or over-the-phone purchases from the state’s 4.45 percent sales tax. Local sales taxes still applied, and the exemption did not apply to commercial transactions, rentals, prepared meals, vehicle purchases or taxable services.

If you’re willing to drive over to Texas, though, their sales tax weekend on clothes and school supplies is Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 5-7. Texas state law exempts sales tax on qualified items — such as clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks — priced below $100, saving shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend.

“With inflation driving prices higher on just about everything, this sales tax holiday provides Texas families some small relief managing the costs associated with kids heading back to the classroom,” said Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar. “As the father of three school-aged children myself, I know how these expenses can add up.”

Apparel and school supplies that may be purchased tax-free are listed on the comptroller’s website at TexasTaxHoliday.org.

I can offer some good news, however, for those here in Calcasieu Parish.

It was announced in the American Press earlier this month that the Calcasieu Parish School Board will once again be providing basic school supplies for students during the upcoming school year.

This is the second school year the board has provided supplies for all pre-K through eighth-grade students.

Some examples of supplies that will be provided are binders, folders, writing utensils, tools, and disposable sandwich bags.

The types and quantities of supplies vary depending on the student’s grade level.

All elementary students will receive the supplies in pre-packaged supply kits. These kits will be delivered by the School Board to their classrooms.

The distribution of supplies for middle school students will vary by school.

While students will be given basic supplies, parents may request additional supplies through their school’s counselor. The counselor can then contact United Way of SWLA, DeWanna’s Closet, or other local organizations or churches to see if they are able to assist through their respective back-to-school drives.

The contact number for United Way is 337-433-1088 and DeWanna’s Closet is 337-274-6629.

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The Informer is written by Crystal Stevenson, American Press executive editor. To ask a question, call 494-4098 and leave voice mail, or email informer@americanpress.com.