Sales Tax Holiday Set To Bring A Bonanza of Purchases

Sales Tax Holiday Set for July 28-31
(From Governor Perdue Press Release)

Georgia Shoppers can Purchase Clothing, School Supplies and Computers Tax Free

ATLANTA - For the fourth consecutive year, Georgia shoppers will have the opportunity to purchase certain clothing items, schools supplies, computers, and computer accessories tax-free during a sales tax holiday that begins at 12:01 a.m., Thursday, July 28 and continues until midnight Sunday, July 31.

"Thanks to the tax free holiday, Georgians will find school supplies and other items more affordable," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "Past experience shows that retail stores will also benefit from an increase in sales, helping local economies to prosper."

Purchases of personal computers and accessories are exempt up to $1,500 per transaction. Items included in the personal computer exemption category include monitors, personal computer base units, keyboards, handheld computers, monitors, printers, modems, nonrecreational software, and other peripheral devices.

Personal digital assistants are exempt unless they allow voice communication. Other items that are not exempt include regular cell phones, digital cameras, furniture and any systems, devices, software, or peripherals designed or intended primarily for recreational use.

School supplies bought for classroom use or classroom related activities are exempt if they cost $20 or less per item. Included in this area are pens, pencils, notebooks, paper, book bags, calculators, dictionaries, thesauruses, children’s books, and books listed on approved school reading lists for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Sales tax will be due on the purchase of any single school supply item that exceeds $20.

Clothing and footwear are exempt up to $100 per item, but there is no limit on how many pairs of shoes and clothing items an individual can buy. If the price of an article of clothing or pair of shoes exceeds $100, then the item will be taxed at its full retail price. Clothing accessories, jewelry, handbags, umbrellas, eyewear, watches, watchbands, and similar items are not exempt from sales tax during the tax-free period.

The sales tax exemption is intended only for individuals and their personal use. It does not apply to purchases made for resale, purchases by businesses, items leased or rented, or items sold at sports facilities, theme parks, restaurants, public lodging establishments, and airports.

Additional information and a comprehensive list of exempt items are available at any of the Department of Revenue’s regional offices or on the Internet at the Department’s web site. Individuals can also get information by calling 404-417-6601 or contacting the Department of Revenue via e-mail.

It Came From The Darkest Depths Of The Blog...

If you're looking for political entertainment and a chance to debate online with people you've never met/will never meet/would like to trounce, we recommend you visit the Peach Pundit blog.

Peach Pundit was started a few months ago by a couple of Georgia political bloggers. The Political Vine has no connection with the site...however our Editor-In-Chief has, on occasion, posted comments about this, that, or the other subject as it suits him.

In any case, the blog is available for anyone (GOP, Demmie, Libertarian, Independent, or Other) who has an interest in the Georgia Political landscape. We highly recommend it as a place to keep track with current events.

Snellville, Georgia - Out In Front On Eminent Domain Protection For Homeowners

While DeKalb County put the brakes on its gung-ho intent to pass eminent domain reform, and while Cobb County waits for the state of Georgia to take the lead, the sleepy (j/k!) Gwinnett County city of Snellville (population: 17,750) quietly became the first government subdivision in the United States to pass a Resolution that specifically limits its own power of eminent domain; a copy of their signed resolution, passed on July 11, 2005, is available as a PDF document at the top of this page.

Snellville City Councilman Warren Auld wrote the Resolution that calls for limits in Snellville on the use of the power of eminent domain to take private property from citizens for the purpose of redevelopment. The Resolution calls for the City of Snellville to use its power of condemnation in a limited manner while protecting the private property rights of residents.

"The fundamental concepts of property rights and limited government require that the power of government in Eminent Domain be used as sparingly as possible,” said Auld, “It should never be used for the sole purpose of giving a private party an economic benefit."

Live Oak Republicans Event

United States Senator Johnny Isakson will be attending the next fundraiser of the Live Oak Republicans. The event will take place at the 191 Club in downtown Atlanta (www.191-club.com) on August 10 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

The cost to attend is $50 per person; those who pay $250 will be invited to the special hosts' reception with the Senator from 6:00 to 6:30. You may R.S.V.P. and prepay for the event on our website.

Also, the Live Oak Republicans are excited to announce we are now implementing a formalized membership plan that includes, among other benefits, reduced costs to attend events. Memberships start at $50 per year, and the cost of admission to the Isakson event includes membership at either the Supporting Member or Sustaining Member level for the remainder of 2005. Please review our levels of membership now available on our website.