Walker stops at Kohl’s to promote “tax holiday” weekend, which starts now

First came the $100 per-child tax rebate. Now, for the next five days, Wisconsin shoppers will have a sales tax holiday, as a way to return surplus money to state taxpayers.

Gov. Scott Walker toured the state again Tuesday to remind people about the tax breaks. He surrounded himself with kids and parents at Kohl’s in Onalaska. Earlier this year, the governor made another appearance, at the same spot, in the same Kohl’s, urging families to apply for the child tax rebate.

The tax credit was claimed by 558,415. The Department of Revenue estimates that the tax holiday will save consumers — and cost the state treasury — almost $15 million.

Walker says the tax holiday, giving away Wisconsin’s $122 million state budget surplus to shoppers, might become a regular event, if it works this month.

“You look at the state of Ohio, for example,” Walker said. “They did it three years in a row. And then, this spring, actually back in February to be exact, they brought it up in Ohio to make it permanent.”

In promoting the tax-free days, Walker said he wanted to highlight store chains like Kohl’s that are based in Wisconsin.

Below is a breakdown of what can and cannot be purchased. Shopping can be done in person and online. For more info go to the Department of Revenue website here.

No sales tax will be charged on these items:

• Clothing priced up to $75 per item.
• Computers, purchased for personal use, priced at up to $750 per item.
• School computer supplies, purchased for personal use, priced at up to $250 per item.
• School supplies priced at up to $75 per item.

Sales tax will still be charged for these items:

• Clothing accessories or equipment.
• Protective equipment.
• School art supplies.
• School instructional materials.
• Sport or recreational equipment.