Tax holidays benefit taxpayers, businesses, TaxWatch report says

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The sales tax holidays not only increase sales, boost foot traffic and generate significant economic impact, they are also beneficial to Florida taxpayers, Florida TaxWatch said.

“Not only are sales tax holidays popular, they also are valuable to Florida taxpayers and businesses,” said Florida TaxWatch president and CEO Dominic M. Calabro. “Taxpayers save money when shopping during the holiday, while simultaneously boosting Florida businesses. The Legislature should continue to implement these holidays.”

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The nonprofit government watchdog group said any decrease in sales tax revenue for the state is offset by growth revenue, adding that the Back to School Sales Tax Holiday is the second biggest shopping weekend in Florida, second only to Black Friday.

“For retail stores, the sales tax holiday has proven to be an extremely positive event,” said Bealls chief executive officer Stephen Knopik. “Not only does the holiday help our business tremendously, boosting our sales and increasing foot traffic for the holiday period, but it also gives Florida families a tax break that they really seem to relish.”

Florida Retail Federation president and CEO Randy Miller said the sales tax holiday supplies retailers with millions of dollars in sales and provides the state with a significant economic impact.

Florida TaxWatch said the main point of tax holidays is to give something back to taxpayers.

“Florida’s sales tax holidays have been extremely popular with taxpayers over the years and have led to millions of dollars in savings for Floridians,” said Sen. Dorothy Hukill, who represents Florida Senate District 14. “Extra money in the pockets of hard-working Florida families gives them additional flexibility when making monetary decisions.”


About the Author:

Dawn Jorgenson, Graham Media Group Branded Content Managing Editor, began working with the group in April 2013. She graduated from Texas State University with a degree in electronic media.