Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Deirdra L. Picou (212) 788-2971
CLOTHING SALES TAX MORATORIUM BEGINS JANUARY 18TH
"This radio ad campaign will help us to send the message that New Yorkers and others should take advantage of this tax-free week. We want consumers from near and far to shop til they drop the tax!" Mayor Giuliani said. "This tax break will help to make New York City's business community more competitive in this key area of retail sales. For too long, we have let tax policies provide an advantage to neighboring suburbs and states where New York City residents spend $3.5 billion annually."
"Sales tax on clothing and footwear costs a New York City family an average of over $200 a year," Mayor Giuliani continued. "For many low-income families, this is money that could go toward other important items. By lifting the tax for one week, and really increasing clothing sales, we can send a powerful message to Albany to eliminate the tax entirely. I will continue to encourage the State Legislature to expand this initiative from one week to 52 weeks a year."
The radio advertisements, both 60 seconds in length, were created by Partners & Shevack Inc. and are sponsored by the City's Economic Development Corporation. The ads feature Mayor Giuliani and Deputy Mayor Reiter. In them, Mayor Giuliani sends a message for everyone to get out and shop at the first ever "Fashion Capital of the World Citywide Clothing and Shoe Sale, January 18th through the 24th".
As a result of state and local actions, virtually all clothing and footwear purchases for less than $500 per article will be exempt from the combined 8.25 percent sales tax. The "sales tax for one week exemption" will apply to most clothing, footwear and other articles worn on the body. The exemption also applies to most fabrics, thread, yarn, buttons, zippers, and like items used or consumed in the making or repairing of exempt clothing. Alterations to clothing purchased during the week will also be exempt from the sales tax.