Middle Georgians Take Advantage of Tax-Free Weekend

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Parents like Bertha Benjamin are really excited about school starting again…especially because back-to-school items are tax free this weekend!

“School supplies, bookbags and clothes and shoes,” she said with a grin.

Her son Quinton is not so excited.

“Yes and I do not want to do. Because I don’t want to go to school,” says Quinton.

The Benjamins came from Dodge county to shop. So did the Parkers, whose triplets are all going back to school August 21st.

“We saved $134 today. I’m always into a deal. When you are a mother of multiples you always have to save.”

Every school year the Macon Mall is teeming with parents and students from Macon and Bibb County to reap the benefits of tax free weekend, but this year, school started a little too early for that. Bibb County schools started Monday, and most parents probably already bought their kids’ back-to-school gear. 41NBC spoke with one Bibb parent who planned ahead.

“Fortunately, you know I strategized and budgeted so I bought some then, and I’m gonna buy a little now,” says Quinton Reese, who has two children in Bibb County elementary schools.

“It needs to be scheduled so everybody can enjoy the tax free weekend,” Benjamin suggested.

“I feel bad for them, they should come back and shop again,” shopper Allister Perkins.

This tax free weekend, parents will be smiling. But their kids have to face the facts: summer is over.

“Let your kids stay home!” said Quinton Benjamin, in a last ditch effort to salvage what is left of his summer vacation.

The sales tax holiday began today and runs through tomorrow. School clothes, shoes, computers and supplies are all exempt. For a complete list of exempt items, click here.