Missouri’s Back to School Tax Free Weekend amid all that is Branson

A small section of Tanger Outlets, Branson's biggest outlet mall.

BRANSON, Mo., July 20, 2012 –What could be better than visiting Branson just before school begins to experience its attractions, shows, excitement and shopping? How about being able to buy school clothing, school supplies, computer software and computers with no 4.225 % Missouri State Sales Tax? Well, that’s exactly what happens during Missouri’s Tax Free Weekend running from 12:01 AM on Friday, August. 3 through Midnight on Sunday, August 5.

During that period, certain “back-to-school” purchases such as any article of school clothing under $100, school supplies under $50, computer software under $350 and computers and computer peripheral equipment under $3,500 each are free from Missouri State Sales Tax. Items such as watches, jewelry, phones, “handkerchiefs, umbrellas, scarves, ties, headbands or belt buckles” are exempted from the Tax Holiday.

As permitted by state law, the City of Branson, Taney County, Branson Landing Transportation Development District, Branson/Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District and Taney County Ambulance District have elected not to participate. Although Missouri State Sales Tax will not be collected, all sales tax in these locations and districts “will still be collected on the sale of qualifying holiday items.”

All of Branson’s retail merchants will be participating in the Sales Tax Holiday including its major outlet and shopping malls. “Branson Landing” will be open Friday and Saturday from 10 AM – 10 PM and on Sunday from Sunday 11 AM – 8 PM; subject to individual store variations, “The Shoppes at Branson Meadows” will be open from 10 AM to 7 PM on Friday and Saturday and 10 AM to 6 PM on Sunday with Tanger Mall being open from 8 AM to 10 PM on Friday and Saturday and 9 AM to 7 PM on Sunday.

“The sales tax reductions coupled with other savings from ‘back to school’ or other sales that individual stores may be running and the opportunity to experience Branson prior to starting back to school are opportune,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. She also points out that there is a wide choice of hotel and lodging establishments located in close proximity to Branson’s major shopping venues.