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Timing of tax holiday for school gear questioned
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MACON — Some Georgians believe the timing of a state tax holiday this year won’t be particularly beneficial to parents or business owners because it will come after many school districts begin the school year — too late for back-to-school shopping.

This year’s tax holiday for educational materials is from 12:01 a.m. Aug. 10 to midnight on Aug. 11.

Many Georgia school systems will have already started the school year by then, The Telegraph of Macon reported. In Houston County, for instance, students return to school Aug. 1.

The holiday allows shoppers to avoid paying the state tax on clothing items under $100; electronics such as computers and accessories; and general school supplies under $20.

Georgia last held a tax holiday for back-to-school materials from July 31 to Aug. 3 in 2009.

“There are a lot of school supplies drives, and they won’t be able to get the benefit (of the tax holiday) either,” said state Rep. Nikki Randall, D-Macon.

But state Rep. Robert Dickey, R-Macon, said that with many Georgia school districts starting at different times, there’s no perfect date for the tax holiday.

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